PRORODEO Sports News - July 12, 2024

XTREME BULLS OAKLEY, UTAH

Back On Track

Bull rider Lukasey Morris gets big win at Oakley BY BRADY RENCK, Special to ProRodeo Sports News A s a rookie, Lukasey Morris made it look easy. He was a teenager traveling the country, showing the type of consistency riding bulls that opened eyes and defied odds. He won the Resistol Rookie of the Year Award and advanced to his first Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. Now, came the hard part. Doing it again. Injuries and The payoff sent Morris rocketing up the standings. He is ranked 18th – three shy of the qualifying line for the NFR – after collecting a $12,902 check for his work at the Oakley Recreation Complex. “Last week I drew practice bulls, and I didn’t ride them for two jumps. It feels good to get a bucker and keep paying my fees out here,” Morris said. “It’s a good boost.” The impressive victory helped take the sting out of a

recent knee injury suffered in Cody, Wyo. Morris was quick to credit Justin Sportsmedicine team for taping him up and keeping him on the road. The Union City, Okla., native pocketed nearly $5,000 with rides at the Greeley (Colo.) Stampede before his big night in Utah. Not bad for a guy with an aching MCL. “It really hurt the first few days. But it’s getting better,” Morris said. “It’s one of those things that I am going to feel it either way, whether I fall off or stay on the ride. So, I might as well stay on the ride.” The way Morris tells it, he never had a choice in life. He was born to ride bulls. And that’s a good thing. “My dad Jimmy was raising bucking stock, so I was around them from the day I came home from the hospital,” Morris said. “It’s something I have wanted to do since I was 3 years old.” Morris has demonstrated his excellence in 2024. Even as he felt he was suffering through an uneven season, he posted wins at Xtreme Bull events in Vernal, Utah and Phoenix. When talking with Morris, his passion for the profession is obvious. He lives for this. And while he remains young, just 21, this season has a chance to age well. “Oh, sure the goal is to get back to the NFR,” Morris said. “I love what I do. I need to keep pushing forward.”

ineffectiveness have undermined Morris since, but the Union City, Okla., native realized a salient point in the wake of disappointment. “Looking back, I have been super hard on myself, especially after not making the NFR last year,” Morris said. “I need to start relaxing, take it easy on myself and stay confident.” It’s impossible to overstate the importance of mental strength, especially when it involves roughstock. The bulls are unpredictable. The onus falls on the cowboy to remain in the right headspace. Morris is finding the correct balance as he gets his current season back on track. Morris captured the Oakley (Utah) Xtreme Bulls Tour stop on July 8 with an impressive 90-point ride on Pete Carr Pro Rodeo’s Midnight Special. He had some intel, and it proved helpful as he tied his top score for the season. “He’s a big bull, senior sized bull for sure. I had seen a video of him. I knew he was either going to go left and really up and down in one spot or spin fast. I let myself do what I do, and stayed on my right shoulder,” Morris said. “I told (another rider) that I was going to get a 90 and win. It’s pretty incredible that it happened.”

Complete results/ Page 119

Lukasey Morris

shows off his buckle and points into the crowd after winning the Oakley (Utah) Xtreme Bulls stop on July 8.

John Golom photos

Lukasey Morris claimed the win at the Oakley (Utah) Xtreme Bulls with his 90-point ride on Pete Carr Pro Rodeo’s Midnight Special. Morris earned $12,902 for the victory.

ProRodeo Sports News 7/12/2024

ProRodeo Sports News 7/12/2024

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