WACO, Texas – Missing his first qualification to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo by a mere $3,487 in 2019 has tie-down roper John Douch hungry for the 2020 season.Only four days into the new calendar year, the Texas cowboy scored the biggest win of his ProRodeo career at the RAM Texas Circuit Finals Rodeo in Waco, Jan. 4.“I ended up 16th (in the 2019 PRCA | RAM World Standings) and that just made me want it more,” Douch said. “I’ve got more fire under me now.”He also has a good horse under him, named Boss, owned by ProRodeo Hall of Famer Joe Beaver.“He’d been good all three rounds and worked hard,” Douch said. “You have to have a pretty good horse.”Douch planted his rodeo roots in some of the best arena dirt possible, by roping with Beaver since he was in the eighth grade. Learning the ropes from an eight-time world champion (all-around, 1995-96, 2000; and tie-down roping, 1985, 1987-88, 1992-93) is paying off for Douch.Competition is particularly stiff in the Texas circuit, as Douch was up against past world champions and cowboys who have qualified for the Wrangler NFR multiple times.The Huntsville, Texas, cowboy won Waco’s first round by 1.2 seconds, stopping the clock in 7.5 seconds. He returned to place third in the second round in 8.1 seconds and won the average with 24.9 seconds on three head.His RAM TCFR win was worth $6,168, topping his previous best, a $5,047 win at the 2019 Guymon (Okla.) Pioneer Days Rodeo – and both wins were accomplished with Boss.“Winter’s very important, and there are a lot of big rodeos and good money,” Douch said. “I’m feeling good and I’m excited about it.”Douch made his ProRodeo debut by ranking fourth in the 2018 PRCA | Resistol Rookie Standings for tie-down roping, but he was already well-known as a three-time qualifier for the College National Finals Rodeo in two events – tie-down roping and steer wrestling.Douch’s college career was highlighted by being the 2017 reserve tie-down roping champion while competing for Hill College in Hillsboro, Texas. Now 22 years old, Douch has his associates degree in animal science and a full-time rodeo schedule planned for 2020 with a new addition to his list – the RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo in Kissimmee, Fla., in April.“I’m feeling good about it and had always wanted to go, but never had the chance,” Douch said.Other winners at the $202,096 rodeo were bareback rider Jake Brown (258.5 points on three head); steer wrestler Matt Reeves (12.6 seconds on three head); team ropers Colby Lovell/Ross Ashford (16.3 seconds on three head); saddle bronc rider Brody Cress (263 points on three head); barrel racer Jill Wilson (48.16 seconds on three runs); steer roper Trevor Brazile (36.1 seconds on three head); and bull rider Jeff Askey (171.5 points on two head). Tanner Green was the all-around cowboy ($2,570, tie-down roping and team roping).For more coverage on the RAM Texas Circuit Finals Rodeo, check out the next edition of ProRodeo Sports News.