2025 Resistol Rookie Heelers Boast Fresh Talent, Veteran Partners

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Fresh Talent and Veteran Partners Power the 2025 Resistol Rookie Heelers Race

A new generation of heelers is making an early statement in the 2025 Resistol Rookie race.

The 2025 Resistol Rookie Heelers leaderboard is already crowded with contenders proving they can hang with — and beat — rodeo’s best.

Summer is nearly here, bringing longer days, warmer temperatures and hot rodeo action — including tight championship races from the battle for ProRodeo World titles to the Resistol Rookie of the Year chase.

The rise of high-paying youth events has sharpened rodeo athletes long before they’re eligible to join the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA). As a result, each new rookie class appears increasingly prepared to win against the sport’s elite.

Case in point: in 2024, header Tyler Tryan and heeler Logan Moore earned $79,694 and $66,026, respectively, to claim the Rookie of the Year titles.

With the learning curve shrinking, the 2025 rookie race is shaping up to be a knife fight to the finish — with a strong chance of seeing some contenders compete at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR) this December in Las Vegas.

Here’s a look at where things stand so far:

Nicky Northcott Leads the Pack

Eighteen-year-old Nicky Northcott tops the standings. The Stephenville, Texas, native is no stranger to fans — not just because of his World Champion dad, Steve Northcott.

Already a six-figure earner in recent years, Northcott has competed — and won — against top-tier competition, including open events like the Bob Feist Invitational (BFI). He debuted at the Denver qualifier in December while still on his permit and has since earned more than $18,000. He won three of his first nine ProRodeos, made the short round in Tucson, and took a round in San Angelo.

Northcott has already roped with World Champions and NFR qualifiers, including Cory Kidd, Jake Clay and three-time World Champion Clay Tryan.

During the California spring run, Northcott partnered with fellow rookie James Arviso. They capped their time together with a short round win in Clovis, California, on April 27.

Starting this week in Guymon, Oklahoma, Northcott will rope with two-time World Champion Clay Smith.

“I’m trying to make the Finals and win the world,” Northcott said. “I don’t think I could ask for anyone better. I’m pumped up and ready to do some winning with him.”

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Jace Helton Close Behind

Despite Northcott’s early success, he leads fellow Texan Jace Helton by just $3,500.

Helton, the 2022 College National Champion, is a familiar name. He won San Angelo last year while on his permit and has a Rodeo Corpus Christi title to his name.

This season, roping with Kreece Thompson, Helton placed second in Odessa and picked up checks in Fort Worth, Belton and Logandale to keep the pressure on Northcott.

Faron Candelaria Gets Rookie Roundup Boost

New Mexico’s Faron Candelaria got a jumpstart on his rookie campaign with a win at the Resistol Rookie Roundup presented by The Cowboy Channel on April 26. He and header Gabe Williams roped their final steer in 4.4 seconds, the event’s fastest run, to earn $3,309.

Candelaria has roped with several partners this year, and plans to continue that approach — including roping with reigning PRCA All-Around World Champion Shay Mayfield. Last year, Candelaria heeled for Mayfield at multiple rodeos, helping him clinch a tight All-Around race. This year, Mayfield returns the favor.

“It’s one of my goals, something I’ve always wanted to win,” Candelaria said of the rookie title. “It’s like the Rookie Roundup — you only get one shot at it, so it was a good win.”

Candelaria currently sits fifth in the standings with $6,416 earned.

The Contenders

The field remains stacked.

Great Lakes Circuit qualifier Gus Mosley, who runs GM Performance Horses, is third in the standings. He won a round in Odessa with Quinton Parchman and added big checks at Florida’s winter rodeos to stay in the hunt.

Mississippi’s Kaden Graves is fourth. He won Lake Charles, Louisiana, with Logan Graham, and later roped with fellow rookie Ryder Ladner to score in Arcadia, Florida. He also picked up money in California with Chet Weitz.