Tucker Allen, a 26-year-old steer wrestler from Ventura, is competing at the Santa Maria Elks Rodeo as the defending world champion, a title he won last December at the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. - Allen, a Nordhoff High School graduate, captured his first world title at the NFR after an impressive 10-event run.
- He grew up rodeoing in Santa Maria and values the Central Coast's hospitality, calling it "the funnest place to be." - After a first-place finish in Nashville on Thursday, Allen competed in Friday's slack and aims for a strong performance in Saturday's round to win the two-head average. - Allen highlights Ventura County's rich ranching history, noting it's a hidden gem for cowboy culture behind the beach towns.