–CTEC Returns to the Lazy E Arena for Five Rounds of Intense Action March 5-7–
The Lazy E Arena, located in Guthrie, Oklahoma, recently announced the 2026 Cinch Timed Event Championship (CTEC) will take place March 5–7, bringing together the most elite all-around cowboys in professional rodeo. The iconic arena recently announced another 10 newly confirmed athletes.
The event challenges 25 athletes to excel in five timed events: team roping heading, team roping heeling, tie-down roping, steer wrestling, and steer roping. The event consists of five rounds in three days. Contestants vie for a share of more than $200,000 in prize money, with the winner claiming the prestigious CTEC title and a $100,000 paycheck.
The Lazy E has released an additional 10 names set to compete in 2026, joining the roster of past champions and standout timed-event athletes:
| Name | Hometown | Appearances | Years Won |
| Kolton Schmidt | Barnsdall, Oklahoma | 4 | |
| Nelson Wyatt | Clanton, Alabama | 4 | |
| Jess Tierney | Altus, Oklahoma | 17 | 2017 |
| K.C. Jones | Burlington, Wyoming | 33 | 1993, 1996, 1999, 2001, 2012 |
| Blane Cox | Stephenville, Texas | 2 | |
| Erich Rogers | Round Rock, Arizona | 13 | 2022 |
| John Douch | Huntsville, Texas | 1 | |
| Stetson Jorgensen | Blackfoot, Idaho | 1 | |
| Clayton Hass | Weatherford, Texas | 14 | |
| Taylor Santos | Creston, California | 4 | 2020 |
Kolton Schmidt returns to the Lazy E after finishing 11th in the 2025 aggregate with a total time of 484.4 seconds. This is Scmidt’s fourth trip to the CTEC. Nelson Wyatt posted a 490.6 aggregate in 2025, good for 12th place. A four-time CTEC qualifier, he was also the Reserve Champion in 2024. Jess Tierney is one of the most notable athletes in the field with 17 CTEC qualifications and the 2017 CTEC title. Tierney finished 14th in 2025 with an aggregate of 516.7.
K.C. Jones, is one of the most decorated champions in CTEC history. A 33-time qualifier, Jones finished 15th in the 2025 aggregate with 547.5 seconds. The five-time champion, with victories in 1993, 1996, 1999, 2001, and 2012, will look to hold the $100,000 check again. Blane Cox, a two-time CTEC qualifier was edged out after placing 16th in the aggregate after round four with a 436.2 seconds.
Erich Rogers, a 13-time qualifier and the 2022 CTEC Champion, makes his return to the CTEC. He’ll be joined by Stetson Jorgensen, who is back for his second run at the title, while three-time Wrangler National Finals Rodeo qualifier John Douch enters the CTEC arena for his second year, after a round four exit in 2025. Clayton Hass, brings his 15 qualifications to the field, while Taylor Santos, adds his four appearances and the 2020 CTEC title to the roster.
The remaining five athlete selections are currently under review and will be announced by the arena in the coming weeks. These are notable 20 athletes who have already been extended invitations to participate in 2026:
| Name | Hometown | Appearances | Years Won |
| Ketch Kelton | Mayer, Arizona | 1 | 2025 |
| Dylan Hancock | San Angelo, Texas | 3 | |
| Brushton Minton | Witter Springs, Calif. | 2 | |
| Seth Hall | Albuquerque, N.M. | 7 | |
| Kyle Lockett | Visalia, California | 24 | 2011 |
| Riley Wakefield | O’Neill, Nebraska | 4 | |
| Paul D. Tierney | Oklahoma City, Okla. | 15 | 2014, 2016, 2024 |
| Russell Cardoza | Terrebonne, Oregon | 14 | |
| Marcus Theriot | Poplarville, Miss. | 10 | 2021 |
| Cody Doescher | Oklahoma City, Okla. | 13 | 2023 |
| Kolton Schmidt | Barnsdall, Okla. | 4 | |
| Nelson Wyatt | Clanton, Alabama | 4 | |
| Jess Tierney | Altus, Oklahoma | 17 | 2017 |
| K.C. Jones | Burlington, Wyoming | 33 | 1993, 1996, 1999, 2001, 2012 |
| Blane Cox | Stephenville, Texas | 2 | |
| Erich Rogers | Round Rock, Arizona | 13 | 2022 |
| John Douch | Huntsville, Texas | 1 | |
| Stetson Jorgensen | Blackfoot, Idaho | 1 | |
| Clayton Hass | Weatherford, Texas | 14 | |
| Taylor Santos | Creston, California | 4 | 2020 |
Ketch Kelton dominated the 2025 championship with an aggregate time of 338.6 seconds, winning Rounds 1, 2, and 5 while taking home the $100,000 top prize, plus $9,000 in round money. Dylan Hancock finished second with 436.3 seconds and took home a total of $36,000, boosted by a top-three finish in Round 5. Brushton Minton rounded out the top three with 437.2 seconds and $15,000. Seth Hall (444.9; $11,000) and 2011 CTEC champion Kyle Lockett (446.0; $9,500) claimed fourth and fifth place respectively.
Other standouts included Riley Wakefield, three-time CTEC Champion Paul D. Tierney (2014, 2016, and 2024 champion), Russell Cardoza, 2021 CTEC champion Marcus Theriot—who won Round 4—and 2023 CTEC champion Cody Doescher, who added a Round 3 win to his résumé.
Tickets for the 2026 Cinch Timed Event Championship will go on sale November 28, 2025, exclusively at LazyE.com.
