ProRodeo Sports News - June 23, 2023

XTREME BULLS RENO, NEV.

Woodward cashes in with Reno win Rookie Rolls

BY BRADY RENCK Special to ProRodeo Sports News W hen Jestyn Woodward was a toddler, he planted himself in front of the TV and began imagining his future. His father Jacey rode bulls. His grandpa Jesse rode bulls. “So, all my memories when I was little was riding bulls. It’s all I wanted to do,” Woodward said. “I tried to start earlier, but they didn’t let me until I was 9.” A decade later, Woodward is opening eyes and turning heads in the PRCA. His routine this season has become simple: wake up, pinch self. He was fourth in the PRCA | RAM World Standings after recently capturing the Reno (Nev.) Rodeo Xtreme Bulls with a score of 168 points on two head. Woodward, 19, had an 84-point ride on Big Stone Rodeo Inc.’s Mr. Clean to clinch the title in Reno. He left town after earning $16,433. “I just really, really wanted to get on him for the last two years. He’s a really

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2023 TOUR STANDINGS

(Unofficial as of June 21) 1. Sage Kimzey, Salado, Texas................. .................$59,616 2. Jestyn Woodward, Custer, S.D............... ..............50,149 3. Trevor Reiste, Linden, Iowa................... ...................37,166 4. Stetson Wright, Milford, Utah................ ................36,006 5. Cody Teel, Kountze, Texas..................... .....................33,910 6. Cullen Telfer, Plant City, Fla................... ..................33,649 7. Tristen Hutchings, Monteview, Idaho.....30,106 8. Kase Hitt, Ardmore, Okla....................... ......................28,336 9. Trey Holston, Fort Scott, Kan................. ................27,602 10. Lukasey Morris, Union City, Okla......... ........24,491 11. T. Parker, Winnie, Texas...................... . .....................24,219 12. Trey Kimzey, Strong City, Okla............. ............22,444 13. JC Mortensen, Paulden, Ariz................ ...............20,635 14. Jeff Askey, Athens, Texas.................... ....................19,728 15. Koby Radley, Holden, La...................... .....................17,911

cool bull. Most of the time he goes out and he’s around to the right, but with me he went to the right and jumped ahead and went back to the left. I had to try really, really hard, and I couldn’t quit. It was tough, but it still felt good,” Woodward said. “It’s just super exciting, a big confidence booster. I love to ride with these guys because everyone pushes each other. And when you ride against the best of the best and they are sitting there pushing you it makes you feel like you are just as good as they are.” Woodward talks with passion and poise that belie his age. He always knew he wanted to rodeo, but this season has brought into focus another goal: making history. He aims to become the first bull rider from South Dakota to win Rookie of the Year honors since Chad Brennan accomplished the feat in 1994. “It would be huge for me to make it to the (National Finals Rodeo) and take rookie of the year honors because nobody from South Dakota has won it in like 30 years,” said Woodward, who is No. 1 in the Resistol Rookie Bull Riding Standings. “Chad was my dad’s traveling partner – (and Woodward’s dad was Jestyn’s first coach) – so it would really mean a lot.” From all indications, Woodward has a terrific shot. Normal for him has become superior. And it’s hard to believe given where Woodward’s head was several

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months ago. He was convinced he should not buy his rookie card, and just stay on his permit for the 2023 season. But one of his best friends provided a pep talk, told him he was ready for the next step. “I listened to him. I had to believe in myself,” said Woodward, who also bypassed college because of his early professional success. “My mindset was to keep it simple, take it one bull at a time and try to have as much fun as possible with it. And it’s been working out well all year.” Woodward established momentum during the winter. He had strong performances at the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo and La Fiesta de los Vaqueros in Tucson, Ariz. He sprinkled in an 88.5-point ride on Burch Rodeo’s Wolf It Up at the Clovis (Calif.) Rodeo on April 27, and then hit his stride in Reno with the big pay day. “I try not to pay attention to the standings. It’s not the end of the season yet,” Woodward said. “But I did set my goals for how much I wanted to make by a certain time. The one I set for the end of July, I have already blown that out of the water. Now, I have new goals, and this is going to help me reach them. But I have to keep working hard.”

Phil Doyle photo

Jestyn Woodward, 19, had an 84-point ride on Big Stone Rodeo Inc.’s Mr. Clean to clinch the title in Reno, earning $16,433.

ProRodeo Sports News 6/23/2023

ProRodeo Sports News 6/23/2023

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