ProRodeo Sports News - August 5, 2022

XTREME BULLS SPANISH FORK, UTAH

Kastner nets $22,631 with win BY BRADY RENCK, Special to ProRodeo Sports News T revor Kastner has spent his adult life getting pulled in multiple directions. This is the byproduct of riding bulls. They are athletic, mobile and unpredictable, leaving those brave enough to climb aboard relying on technique, if not a few crossed fingers. At age 34, Kastner continues to feel the gravitational pull. But it’s no longer in the chute, but rather from his Oklahoma home. The past few seasons he has been throttling down his 100 rodeo-or-so-a-year schedule to spend more time with his wife Kate and their 4-year-old daughter McKenna and 2-year-old son Korbyn. “I actually have seven kids now,” Kastner joked. “No, it’s just the two, and I am telling you they are a blast. I love spending time with them that’s for sure. I don’t want to miss a thing.” Even as Kastner follows a lighter schedule, success follows. That’s why he’s uncertain of his path this season. He wasn’t planning on chasing his seventh NFR qualification. However, winning at the Spanish Fork (Utah) Fiesta Days Xtreme Bulls is a reminder that anything is possible. Kastner flirts outside the top 20 in the standings, but it only takes the right stock and the right ride to bring the NFR back into focus. “I am not sure if I want to try and get back yet. I am just playing it by ear,” Kastner said. “We will see what happens.” In Utah, Kastner showed why he earned NFR berths in three consecutive seasons from 2018-20 with his work on Powder River Rodeo’s Domino, registering an 86-point ride. He earned $22,631 for the performance. “I had a friend send me a video of him. That really helped because was a younger bull that I really didn’t know much about,” Kastner said. “It was a good ride. It turned out well. And it was a good environment.” Kastner’s 15-year-run in the sport is a testament to his discipline and focus. He began humbly in 2008, earning $6,524 in his rookie season. His first NFR berth came in 2011, beginning a run of three straight appearances. He finished a career-best fifth in the world standings in 2012 with total earnings of $168,553. Kastner has netted more than a $1 million in prize money to date. In 2012 at the NFR he was the only one to score in a round. “I would probably say that was my most memorable ride,” Kastner said. Now his favorite memories involve hanging out with his family on their Oklahoma ranch, where they raise horses. But to make that life possible, if not special, it keeps Kastner connected to the rodeo. And, of course, the bulls. He began riding calves when he was around 5. Three decades later, the adrenalin remains when he nods his head. But the motivation is a little different. He’s doing it for his family as much as the finish at the end of the night. “That’s what it is all about. I love the challenge of riding bulls,” Kastner said. “Family is what is most important. I ammainly riding now because it’s a way to provide for them.” A Real Payday Complete results/ Page 68

Phillip Kitts photos

Trevor Kastner parlayed his 86-point ride on Powder River Rodeo’s Domino into a $22,631 payday at the Fiesta Days Xtreme Bulls event.

ProRodeo Sports News 8/5/2022

ProRodeo Sports News 8/5/2022

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