PRORODEO Sports News - November 22, 2024

season, they started out setting goals for themselves to analyze their achievements through short and long-term goals which have followed through looking ahead at the NFR. “I set a goal to make it to the NFR and win Rookie of the Year. Right now, I’ve made one of my goals and I’ve just got to get my other one at the end of the Finals,” Lawrence said. “I want to ride eight out of 10 of my bulls at the Finals,” James shared. “I know it’s going to come down to who stays on the most there and I mean, it’s such a tight race and the money’s so big that it’s anyone’s game, whoever stays on the most and rides the best at the Finals.” “Getting on 10 head of bulls – that can’t be easy on a guy and especially when you go through five rounds of different types of bulls that just start doing the same thing,” Schalla said. “If I can get a few go-round wins and getting placed in the average and hopefully win the average, that’ll set me up to hopefully win the world.” Winning the Resistol Rookie of the Year is about more than just a title; it’s about legacy, respect, and tradition. The three contestants who are battling to the brim to receive this title aren’t only fighting for the name, but the respect and tradition that it carries. “It’s a pretty big title that you only get one shot at,” James said. “I’m excited to see who comes away with it. It’s a pretty big title because you only get one shot at it and there’s three of us going, so it’s going to be a pretty tight race and be competitive with them boys.” “It’s good to have the opportunity to be able to be a rookie at the NFR at the same time,” Lawrence said. “Not a lot of people get to do that, but it’s definitely a big accomplishment for me so I want to go in there and ride all 10 of my bulls this year, which is a tough one, but I think I can do it.” “The way I take it is if I just do my job, stay on all my bulls and let all that stuff settle and to win Rookie of the Year is something you can only do once. It is definitely one of my priorities,” Schalla said. As they look ahead to their future in the sport, this title sticks with them for the rest of their PRORODEO careers, they still look forward to the next slate of athletes who will be competing for the same prestigious award. Their advice helps to guide young athletes who are looking to get their start in PRORODEO and compete for that same title. “Consistency is key. If you can consistently do your workouts, your trainings, whatever it is that you need to get done, if you’re consistent at it and you keep pushing to get one percent better each day, it’s going to come to you. They can’t deny you your whole life if you’re consistently getting better,” James said. “Having a clear mind every time I got on a bull and believing in myself and to be able to have the ability to ride every night,” Lawrence shared. “You have to keep the right mindset the whole time.” “I saw multiple guys this year starting in July. They didn’t have any money won and just went home and decided they were done trying because they didn’t think they had a chance. Anybody can just stick with it and get throughout August and September. There’s a lot of money that can be won so they’ve just got to stick with it,” Schalla said. Throughout this last year, these three athletes competed beyond expectations and have set the bar high for seasons to come. Their journey to the top will culminate at the 2024 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo presented by Teton Ridge, where one will earn the coveted title of Resistol Rookie of the Year.

Resistol Rookie bull rider Cooper James competes at the Clovis (Calif.) Rodeo Xtreme Bulls on April 24. James is third in the Resistol Rookie Bull Riding Standings.

Stu Hagen photo

Resistol Rookie bull rider Jeter Lawrence fires up the crowd after a ride at the Puyallup (Wash.) Rodeo. Lawrence leads the rookie bull riding standings. Hailey Rae photo

ProRodeo Sports News 11/22/2024

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