Cowboy Ninja falls short in finals

The Idaho Statesman reports that the Cowboy Ninja, Lance Pekus, a rancher from Salmon, ID, started out strong on the TV finale of “American Ninja Warrior” last Monday, but was knocked out of the finals competition on “wing nut alley.” Pekus was an audience favorite throughout the season, as he competed for his wife, Heather, who struggles with multiple sclerosis, and their son, who watched on Skype. Pekus breezed through the first few obstacles on Stage 2 before plummeting into the pool. The Idaho Beef Council is one of Pekus’ sponsors and he was often seen wearing a “Powered by Beef” shirt.