ProRodeo Sports News July 13, 2018

moment more special. Brett’s older brother, Aaron, a PRCA tie-down roper and team roper, passed away in a car accident in August 2011. “Pecos is one of those deals that anyone who rodeos very long wants to win,” said Cody, who watched Brett’s victorious ride via cellphone video. “Unfortunately for me, I never won it, so it was great to see him do that. He’s starting to understand the mental part of (bull riding), and wins like this get your confidence high and make you realize you belong in the world of bull riding.” LIKELY CAREER CHOICE Growing up around rodeo – and his dad – Brett saw firsthand what it took to be a world champ. Cody qualified for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo eight times – 1987-92 and 1998-99 – before retiring after the 2002 season. “I used to breakaway rope and team rope,” Brett said. “When we moved fromWickenburg, Ariz., to Elk City, Okla., when I was 10 years old is when the switch flipped for me and I knew I really wanted to ride bulls.” And, he wouldn’t be where he is now without his father’s guidance. “My dad has helped me out so much,” said Brett, who stands 5-foot-11. “I feel pressure frommyself to live up to his name, but I don’t feel that pressure from other people. I stay in touch with my dad every day. He’s always been there.” Cody is aware of the bull riding

who has known Brett since they were in sixth grade. “I always thought Brett was a good rider. He’s always good to be around because he’s positive no matter what. I know he rides good enough to make the NFR, he just needs to not let opportunities slip.” BIG GOALSAHEAD Brett is third in the bull riding rookie race – Clayton Sellars has a sizable lead with $68,583 as of July 12. This season, Brett has been trying to make up for lost time. He injured his left knee in October at a non-PRCA rodeo and was out until February. “Fortunately, I’m not that far out of making the NFR,” Brett said. “This is something I’ve always wanted to do. I want to keep on rodeoing and continue improving, and I have my sights set on making the NFR.” Cody knows his son is just scratching the surface with his talent. “Right now, he rides bulls that fit him really, really well, and where he’s at in his career is learning how to ride the bulls that don’t fit him,” Cody said. “A couple of summers ago, when Brett was going to amateur rodeos all the announcers were referring to him as Cody Custer’s kid. I told him that’s all they know about you. I told him to be proud of that and don’t let it be a hinderance to you. I told him the goal is to not have people say, ‘There’s Cody Custer’s kid,’ but rather say, ‘There’s Brett Custer’s dad.’ I hope that is how it goes.”

shadow he casts, but he knows Brett’s talent will allow Brett to establish his own identity. “Being a bull rider is something Brett has had in his head and in his heart for a long time,” Cody said. “He understands the foundational stuff of bull riding so well that once he gets momentum going he’s going to win a lot of money. I’m proud of his riding and even more proud of the way he conducts himself at rodeos. I’ve gotten calls from rodeo secretaries telling me what a great son we raised, and that is a big deal to my wife and me.” Brett earned $19,104 on his PRCA permit in 2017. This season he’s figuring out the ropes of being a full- time PRCA competitor. “It’s a learning process, especially being on the road all the time, but it has been a blast,” he said. Brett is traveling with Trey Benton III, who finished a career-best second in the world standings last season, and longtime friend Boudreaux Campbell. Campbell placed 10th in the world standings last year and was the PRCA | Resistol Rookie of the Year in bull riding. “When we were younger it took Brett a little bit to figure it out, but now he’s riding extremely well, and I hope he keeps the ball rolling,” said Campbell,

Veteran tie-down roper Scott Kormos won the Pecos average with an 18.9-second time on two head. Kormos was 19th in the July 12 PRCA | RAM World Standings with $40,269. Todd Brewer photo

Complete results on Page 68

SADDLE BRONC RIDING 1. Ryder Wright ......................... 86.5 pts. 2. Ross Griffin ..................................... 86 3. Cody DeMoss ............................... 85.5 4. Three tied at ................................. 84.5

TIE-DOWN ROPING 1. Scott Kormos ............ 18.9 sec. on two 2. (tie) Caleb Smidt ........................... 19.0 Tanner Green ................................ 19.0 4. Ike Fontenot .................................. 19.4

STEER ROPING 1. Bryce Davis ............ 38.9 sec. on three 2. Landon McClaugherty .................. 39.6 3. Tuf Cooper .................................... 41.0 4. Billy Good ..................................... 43.6

BULL RIDING 1. Brett Custer ........................... 86.5 pts. 2. Cole Melancon ................................. 86 3. Sage Kimzey .................................... 84 4. Joseph McConnel ............................ 83

ProRodeo Sports News 7/13/2018

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