HANKEL SPLITS FIRST, TAKES HOME BUCKLE AT CFR DEBUT
November 11, 2009

Edmonton, AB – “I'm not gonna lie, I was nervous,” laughs Zane Hankel, still a little breathless from splitting first with leading Canadian steer wrestling leader Cody Cassidy during the first performance of the Canadian Finals Rodeo (CFR).

Both Hankel and Cassidy clocked a time of 4.3 seconds during the first performance, but there was just one go-round buckle to be had, and the guys were told they would have to flip for it.

“I gave it to Zane,” Cassidy confirms, when asked about the burgandy buckle box in Hankel's left hand.

“I remember the first time I won at CFR,” he continues. “I split it with Ryan Guest (in 2004) and it was both our first (CFR) buckles. I think they ended up giving us both buckles, but this time they said there was only going to be one and we could flip for it.”

Cassidy fondly recalls getting that first buckle, “and, the first one means a lot.”

Hankel is glowing, and completely thrilled at the gesture made by his fellow bulldogger.

“That's pretty awesome,” he says.

“My goal coming in here was to win a round,” Hankel grins, then sighs with what is surely relief, admitting that this win sure takes the pressure off for the rest of the week. It is, afterall, the Redcliff, Alta. bulldogger's first trip to the Canadian Finals Rodeo, and to win in the first go-round?

“It's an unexplainable feeling, just to be at CFR.”

More than 12,000 rodeo fans filled the seats at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alta as the 36th CFR kicked off five days of high-octane rodeo action, following a heartfelt opening ceremonies in honour of Remembrance Day.