ProRodeo Sports News - March 17, 2023

ARCADIA, FLA. Same Routine

Steer wrestler Tristan Martin stays course, nabs the win BY BRADY RENCK Special to ProRodeo Sports News T ristan Martin embraces the process. He is a cowboy with a gym habit. Regardless of the results, he maintains his routine, keeps perspective. As a steer wrestler, where winning is determined by tenths of a second and a headlock slip can ruin a weekend, success follows those who resist the temptation to buckle up and ride the emotional roller coaster. “For me right now, I know my steer wrestling hasn’t regressed. I am going about my same stuff, working out, putting in the time. It’s not like anything happened with an injury or anything like that. Maybe, it was a stroke of bad luck,” Martin explained. “I am also riding a new horse.” Breaking in a new ride and a few bad moments conspired to create a slow start to the 2023 season for the two-time Wrangler National Finals Rodeo qualifier. This time last year, the 27-year-old had

netted nearly $50,000 in prize money, buoyed by a $20,000 prize at Fort Worth. However, Martin found his footing recently at the 94th annual Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo. Martin was a blur, delivering a 3.6-second time to edge out Joshua Hefner and Colton Swearingen for the title. Martin pocketed $3,016 and tied the arena record, previously set by ProRodeo Hall of Famer Tom Ferguson in 1984. “That’s sweet,” Martin said. “I knew I had a decent steer, and I knew if I did my job, I would have a good chance. It’s always awesome in Florida. Arcadia has really big crowds, and great weather.” For Martin, this type of victory litters his resume. Following the win, he hustled back home to Sulphur, La., to spend time with wife Josee and 1-year old son Boudreaux. It provided time to practice and prepare for upcoming events with confidence. “Every season is unique. This season is different. But everybody says that you don’t make the (NFR) until you reach Reno,” Martin said. “I am just keeping my head down and going to work. There is plenty of time.” This even-keel approach has lifted Martin to breathtaking success. He earned $170,981 last season, placing 10th in the PRCA | RAM World Standings. He won $66,428 at the NFR, leaving him 12th in the average after placing in six rounds. It fuels him.

Jessica Burns photo Bull rider Koby Radley continued his solid 2023 season by winning the Arcadia All-Florida Champ- ionship Rodeo with an 88.5-point ride on Frontier Rodeo ‘s Harlon Nights.

“You know the gold buckle is always the cherry on top of what everyone wants, right? But you have to get to the NFR first,” Martin said. “That’s my main goal right now. I am using my horse Rez. It was a decision I made, and it’s starting to work out like I planned.” Watching Martin in the arena and it’s hard to imagine him doing anything else. He grew up wanting to be a cowboy and improved enough throughout high school and college to turn pro in 2015. He knows the road will feature twists and turns, like any steer wrestling event, but his focus won’t change, nor will his appreciation for his craft. “I just love it. This is what I was born into. I grew up knowing I would do it,” Martin said. “I love meeting new people, love steer wrestling, love competing and throwing the steers. My dad told me that I was lucky because I am doing what I love for a living. Not everybody gets that opportunity. I am telling you there is no better life than the cowboy life.”

ProRodeo Sports News 3/17/2023

ProRodeo.com

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