NFR notebook: Current leader playing it cool

Monday, Dec. 4, 2000 | 10:53 a.m.

Scott Johnston has thought about winning a saddle bronc title since he first joined the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association in 1996.

Now that he is in position to accomplish that goal, and win the all-around title at this year's National Finals Rodeo, the 27-year-old Australian native is trying not to think about it.

After three go-rounds of the $4.5 million NFR, Johnston continues to lead both the saddle bronc and all-around world standings -- despite not cashing for the second straight go-round Sunday night at the Thomas & Mack.

But that didn't seem to bother the soft-spoken Johnston.

"I'm pretty happy with the way things are going," Johnston said. "I feel like I'm riding my horses pretty good and that's the main thing, to keep riding good."

Although Johnston holds a $13,000 lead over Billy Etbauer in the world saddle bronc standings and leads Trevor Brazile by more than $21,000 in the all-around standings, he said he isn't focusing on either title.

"I'm really just concentrating on riding whatever bronc I get, the best that I can," he said. "It can be a little hard to ignore at time but you just try not to look at it every night, go out there and ride and whatever happens, happens."

Johnston, appearing in his third NFR, is almost too laid back for someone who is poised to win professional rodeo's most coveted title. But, he insists, the pressure of being in contention for the all-around title does not overwhelm him.

"It's not nerve-wracking," he said. "I'm just trying to (approach) it the same as any rodeo and try to get on the horse and ride instead of worrying about how much money is out there and how crazy the crowd is.

"It's exciting to be here but I don't get too stirred up."

Sunday night's third go-round winners:

Jeff Collins, who won the first two go-rounds, tied for fifth with a 79 and earned $1,835.86 to push his season earnings over the $100,000 mark ($100,484.81). Collins, the NFR average leader in bareback, has earned $28,102.78 in three go-rounds.

Lyman, who finished out of the money in Saturday's go-round, retained his lead in both the world standings and NFR average. The Victor, Mont., resident increased his lead in the world standings to more than $12,000 over Teddy Johnson.

Speed Williams and Rich Skelton failed to cash for the third straight night but continue to lead the world standings.

All-around leader Scott Johnston failed to cash for the second straight night but continues to lead the saddle bronc world standings by more than $13,000 over Billy Etbauer. Steve Dollarhide is the average leader after three go-rounds.

Blair Burk was fifth and continues to lead the world standings by more than $4,000 over defending world champ Fred Whitfield.

Greg Potter was fourth with an 84 and Phillip Elkins was fifth with an 83.

James, a 10-time world champion, increased her lead in the world standings to $11,540 over defending world champion Sherry Cervi.

The award was presented during the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association annual awards banquet in Las Vegas.

Burns, 51, who also won the top clown award in 1995, is completing his 29th year as a professional clown.

Burns received a specially crafted commemorative gold buckle as well as a check for $10,000 that goes to the Original Coors Man in the Can award winner each year.