Steer roper and all-around cowboy Dalton Walker will replace two-time PRCA World Champion Tyler Wade at back-number 25 at the Cinch Timed Event Championship March 5–7, after Wade broke his ankle in steer roping practice Dec. 27, 2025.
Wade’s injury, while not career-threatening, was enough to force him to step away from the all-around grind required at the Timed Event, opening the door for Walker, a 2024 National Finals of Steer Roping qualifier who has been knocking on that door for years.
“I spent a week trying to practice on it and icing it,” Wade, 33, of Terrell, Texas, said. “But this weekend after going to a couple jackpots, it swelled up even bigger, and my wife made me go to urgent care. The doctors said it was definitely broken, and sent me to an orthopedist Monday.”
Wade said he plans to continue competing in the heading at winter jackpots and rodeos while wearing a boot, but the combination of bulldogging, steer roping, calf roping and team roping at the Timed Event was more than the injury would allow.
That decision shifted the spotlight to Walker, who will make his Cinch Timed Event Championship debut inside the Lazy E Arena with little hesitation and a lot of confidence.
For Walker, the opportunity has been a long time coming.
“I really wanted to do it since I started bulldogging in high school,” Walker said. “About my sophomore year is when I really wanted to try to get into the junior timed event. I just didn’t have the right connections then. When I started steer tripping at 19, I decided I should really try to get into it.”
Walker’s résumé fits the Timed Event mold. He bulldogged in high school, roped calves starting in junior high, and has team roped his entire life. Though steer tripping has become his main focus, he has never stepped away from the other events entirely.
“I rope like a straight six both ways,” Walker said of his heading and heeling numbers. “Some days I’m stronger on one end than the other, and I feel like an open roper. Some days it clicks, some days it doesn’t.”
What separates Walker from many first-time qualifiers is how immersed he already is in the sport. He works daily with Corey Ross, helping handle and contract steers, meaning he is around livestock year-round, not just when the entry fees are paid.
“That’s really my job,” Walker said. “We’re messing with steers every day.”
Walker lives in Bertram, Texas, after growing up near Clyde, and competes primarily in the Turquoise Circuit.
Preparation for March is already underway. Walker plans to sharpen every event, including bulldogging and calf roping, in the weeks leading up to the Timed Event. While he hasn’t finalized all his horses or hazers yet, he has a plan forming.
“I’ll probably ride my tripping horse Tank,” Walker said. “I think I’ll ride Corey Ross’s son’s head horse, and possibly one of their tripping horses in the calf roping. I haven’t nailed everything down yet, but I’ll get it figured out.”
Unlike many replacements who find out days before the event, Walker is grateful for the extra time.
“Usually it happens a week or two ahead of time,” he said. “I told (Lazy E General Manager) Dan (Wall), I’ll be ready regardless. Whether it’s the day before or a week before, I’m ready.”
That mindset shows in how Walker talks about the challenge ahead. There is no hesitation, no concern about the workload or the pressure of replacing a world champion.
“There’s nothing I’m worried about,” he said. “I feel like I’ve done it all my life. Every event. I feel like I can run out there and do every event to the best of my ability, and we’ll see how it goes.”
For Wade, stepping aside was not easy, but it was necessary. His focus now shifts to healing properly while staying competitive in the team roping, with his sights still set on a full return.
For Walker, the call represents more than just a replacement spot. It’s the culmination of years spent building versatility, grinding through multiple events, and waiting just far enough down the list.
Now, that wait is over.
