PRORODEO Sports News - June 6, 2025

together for the 30-year-old, as he placed in eight rounds and was 36.0 seconds on nine head to win his first world title. “I wouldn’t say it’s too much differ ent,” Struxness said. “You get a little more attention every now and then but as far as what I do it’s not really any different. The humbling part about rodeo is that you end the year as a world champ and then you’re knocked back to zero with everybody else to start the new year.” The Milan, Minn., native grew up in a state that isn’t typically associated with rodeo or the Western lifestyle. Struxness takes pride in represent ing the Land of 10,000 Lakes on the biggest stage in PRORODEO, and said it’s an honor to be announced as a world champion before each run. “That’s something that I’ve been waiting to hear my whole life and I’ve been working toward for a long time now,” Struxness said. “It’s a huge feel ing of achievement and a weight off your shoulders. But it also gives you a reputation to hold up.” Frost qualified for the NFR four times before making trip No. 5 this past De

worst expe riences and best experi ences of the Thomas & Mack is that I feel like I know how to handle every scenario,” Frost said. “It’s made me more mentally tough to where when something does go bad,

cember. And he has experienced the full range of emotions at the event. In 2019, when he first reached the bright lights of Las Vegas, Frost was bucked off all 10 bulls. From 2021-23, the Randlett, Utah, cowboy made the most of his opportunities - even win ning the NFR Average in 2021 - but finished as the reserve world champi on three-straight times. In 2024, everything fell into place, de spite a late season injury that nearly spoiled his season of destiny. “The cool part of having some of the Bareback rider Dean Thompson reflected on his world championship win last year in Las Vegas. PRCA photo by Alexis Cady

I easily know how to bounce back. And when things go well, I know how to keep things going well.” Frost definitely kept things going well last December. He finished as the only rider to cover seven bulls, won Rounds 4 and 6, earned his second NFR Average Championship and secured his first gold buckle. Frost said he’s clearly perceived the support from the PRORODEO fan base since strapping on the coveted buckle. “It was really cool to get that gold

buckle because for three years and even after win ning reserve world cham pion that first year, people said, ‘This is your year,’” Frost recalled. “People knew that I’d been so close so many times, so it meant a lot for me to get it for the fans too. I know how I feel as a fan watching my team or somebody I want to win get so close.” As for what’s next, all three cowboys hope to find themselves in the same position from Dec. 4-13 at the 2025 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo presented by Teton Ridge in Las Vegas.

J.D. Struxness earned his eighth NFR qualifica tions last year, cashing in to win his first steer wrestling world title. PRCA photo by Hailey Rae

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