ProRodeo Sports News - Feb. 4, 2022

three-time PRCA All-AroundWorld Champion and 2021 Saddle Bronc Riding World Champ, for rodeos in Hattiesburg and Southaven, Mississippi. Just as Webb and Steiner did, Statler filled his permit quickly after he won both rodeos. “It was cool,” Statler said. “I’m excited, I can get into the big ones now.” Like Steiner, Wright is continuing a rodeo family dynasty started by his father Cody. The Wrights are all bronc riders and five have earnedWorld titles including Stetson who has also won gold in the bull riding. “I really do get nervous,” Cody said of sending his fourth boy down the ProRodeo road. “You never know what you’re in for until you’re doing it. But he’s all gung ho. “The first time you drop them off at the airport to fly alone, you hope you’ve taught them enough.” While Statler got on the plane alone, like his brothers before him, he was met by family when he arrived, ready to show him the way. And don’t think Cody isn’t still an active advisor to the journey. “He’s the boss, we do what he says,” Statler joked. Prior to his first weekend, Statler said he wasn’t nervous, just excited. After the weekend, he had a little bragging rights on his older brother, two- time PRCAWorld Champ Saddle Bronc rider Ryder. “The horse I got on in Southaven, Ryder got on him in Kissimmee and was 84.5 (points),” Statler said of Brookman Rodeo’s Betty Boop. “I topped him off, I was 85.5.” Despite the likely phone call to rub that in a bit, the Wrights recognize the advantage of having family out on the road to call upon for advice and support. “It’s nice to know they’re out there with somebody there to take care of them,” Cody said. The youngest Wright has big goals for his first ProRodeo season. “Make the Finals. That’s the big one. Rookie of the Year,” he added, an honor all three of his older brothers have earned. Wright is also looking forward to a first trip to the Pendleton (Ore.)

Round-Up in the fall. “I want to go to that one – we can’t let Stetson win it again,” he said. Both Statler and his dad attribute his readiness for ProRodeo competition to good broncs at regional rodeos in Utah that all the Wrights have used as the preparation for ProRodeo. “He’s been on some pretty good horses” Cody said. “It helps them step up (to ProRodeo) because it’s not a huge step.” “My dad and my brothers told me, it’s not any bigger competition, the horses aren’t any different, than the other rodeos I’ve been competing in, and I can do just as good as I did at the (amateur rodeos),” Statler said. “That mindset has helped me so far.” Wright is excited to be part of a fresh, extremely talented wave of 2022 rookies. “It’s pretty cool, we’re ready to show our stuff now,” he said. He draws inspiration from watching Steiner’s early success. “I don’t know him but it’s awesome how on fire he is right now.” “It’s super special, to see these guys around my age,” Steiner said. Like Wright, Steiner has been practicing with world champions andWrangler NFR qualifiers, on top level horses, to launch his career without the usual rookie curve. “I’ve practiced with the best guys in the world since I was little so in my mind, I’m one of them.” Competing against the best has also been key inWebb’s success. “I grew up entering open jackpots,” Webb said. He’s won nearly everything he was eligible to enter. “There’s so much money that you can make a living so it’s a job, not just a hobby. You take it more serious.” He is as enthusiastic about the rise of the rookies as Wright and Steiner. “Rocker won Denver and Odessa . . .. those are not little rodeos,” he said. “And Statler, he’s a Wright, what else is there to say?” Like his fellow rookies, Wright is ready to show and not tell what he’s capable of. “I’m excited and ready to see what it’s all about,” he said.

Ric Andersen photo Bareback rider Rocker Steiner, 18, celebrates after winning the National Western Stock Show & Rodeo at the Denver Coliseum, Jan. 23. Steiner is following in the rodeo footsteps of his world champion dad, Sid and grandfather Bobby.

Michael Roberts photo

Saddle bronc rider Statler Wright is continuing in the Wright family’s storied rodeo tradition as he made his debut last month in Hattiesburg, Miss.

ProRodeo Sports News 2/4/2022

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