2012 In Review

Nick Stull’s ride began in the dusty small town rings of Nebraska’s high school rodeo circuit. It ended on the national stage.

A win at Mitchell nudged the Kimball saddle bronc rider into the top four. He knew what was at stake as the final go loomed at state.

In the first round he watched as points leader Chauncy Hesseltine of Thedford held on for full time, the only cowboy to earn points. The next day Stull again hit the dirt. Meanwhile Triston Eklund topped the board--again the only competitor to complete his ride.

A trip to nationals in Rock Springs, Wyoming, was hanging on his performance in the short go.

“You’ve worked hard for it, now go out and be the best cowboy you can be,” he said, recalling his thoughts. “You can’t talk yourself out of winning.”

He didn’t win, spinning from the bucking horse in less than eight seconds. But his ride was strong enough to keep him in the top four, earning the young cowboy the final nationals slot.

That’s right--the National High School Rodeo Finals.

At July’s stellar event in Rock Springs, Wyoming Stull twice set out to score points. Both times, however, he ended up brushing arena dirt from his chaps. Last year’s event champion, Oklahoma’s Shade Etbauer, suffered the same fate.

Both riders watched Rusty Wright out of Milford, Utah, capture the national title.

“I didn’t have my head straight,” Stull said moments after being thrown in Friday’s second go. “I think I’m still psyched out about just being here.”

Stull’s mount broke from the far west stall, bounding directly toward center, driving low and kicking high. Just over two seconds in, the horse broke suddenly to rider’s left. A deft yet powerful flick sent Stull tumbling off the side.

The entire ride lasted no more than five seconds.

Only one cowboy held on for eight seconds Friday morning, however, underscoring what some might call the luck of the draw. Rodeo directors selected from a different pen on that particular day, releasing broncs clearly eager to spill their young charges.

Riding just before Stull, last year’s national champion—Etbauer—flew over his mount’s sharply dipping head.

The pen used during mid-week sessions allowed the majority of full time rides.

Stull slotted into the rodeo’s third performance earlier in the week on his first go. He remained upright in his saddle for just a fraction over two seconds.

After picking himself up from the arena mud—it rained earlier that day—Stull had tipped his hat to the horse.

“She was good,” he said, explaining the salute. “I was impressed.”

The national rodeo finals drew some 1,500 cowboys and cowgirls from the U.S., Canada and Australia to Rock Springs’ Sweetwater Events Center. Both grandstands were packed, fueling every young rider’s adrenaline.

“It makes you want to try even harder,” Stull said, gesturing toward the crowd.