ProRodeo Sports News - March 29, 2024

AUSTIN, TEXAS

Martin capitalizes on opportunity Defining Moment BY ALEX RILEY Special to ProRodeo Sports News T raylin Martin looked at the draw for the final round of Rodeo Austin and knew. The Faith, S.D., cowboy had been paired with Andrews Rodeo’s All or Nothin’, a horse with a reputation for producing big bucks and big scores. Excitement was the initial reaction, followed by a wave of nerves. Getting to ride All or Nothin’ was a bucket list matchup Martin had been hoping for. He had seen the horse shine at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo and other PRCA events. Martin knew the opportunity was there for something special. “Just about any time a guy gets on it, you’re either truly all or nothing – you’re either in the 90s or you’re nothing. I knew it was the one to have in the pen,” Martin said. “I knew we either capitalize with a win today or it’s going to be kind of a knife fight to get into (bigger rodeos) after this. Definitely all-day Saturday, it felt like this is it, this defines what rodeos a guy is going to get into the rest of the year and it’s kind of going to set a tone.” In eight seconds, Martin flipped the script on his 2024 thus far, going for a 92-point ride to win the final round at Rodeo Austin and capture his biggest victory to date. In the second go, Martin had an 86-point trip on Dakota Rodeo’s Richie’s High to tie with Damian Brennan for the round win. His 92-point effort in the finals was three points better than Wyatt Casper, giving Martin an aggregate total of 258.5 on three head and earning him $15,310. Coming into Rodeo Austin, Martin had less than $5,500 to his ledger for the season. Thanks to the success, the third-year competitor has vaulted himself into the top 30 of PRCA | RAM World Standings. The win not only reshaped his season but also provided some much-needed positivity after a rocky start. Back in January, Martin had some unfortunate circumstances at the National Western Stock Show and Rodeo in Denver. After placing third in the opening go, the ring on his cinch broke in the second round, costing him the opportunity for more prize money. Since then, things have spiraled with continuous equipment failure. “It seems like six or seven rodeos I went to after that, something else broke and I couldn’t control it,” Martin said. “I finally got in a new saddle and kind of took February a little easy to make sure everything was right so we could hit it hard again. It kind of felt like a redemption moment in Austin.” While the journey to this victory has not been easy, the end result was certainly rewarding. Martin said he felt immense pressure heading into the finals but coming away with the title was a moment he’ll never forget. Now, with a little success to fall back on, the up-and-coming rider plans to keep building momentum on the professional side, while also focusing on his efforts as a member of the Western Texas College rodeo team over the coming months. But after a lot of hardship, Martin plans to take a moment to savor this one before moving on to what’s next. “It hasn’t really sunk in yet. It kind of has, but I don’t really know how to explain it,” Martin said with a laugh. “This win kind of means everything right now. It definitely felt season-defining.” RODEO AUSTIN

TOP SCORES

TOP MONEY EARNER Trey Kimzey ($27,505, bull riding) BAREBACK RIDING

Kimzey

1. Tanner Aus .......................... 90.5 pts. 2. Taylor Broussard .......................... 86 3. Dean Thompson ........................... 85 STEER WRESTLING 1. J.D. Struxness ............ 11.8 sec. on 3 2. Jacob Edler ................................ 12.6 3. Cade Staton ............................... 13.8 TEAM ROPING 1. D. Egusquiza/L. Lord .. 12.5 sec. on 3 2. L. Aguilera/J. Torres .................. 13.0 3. C. Proctor/L. Medlin .................. 13.5 SADDLE BRONC RIDING 1. Traylin Martin ......................... 92 pts. 2. Wyatt Casper ................................ 89 3. Dawson Hay .............................. 86.5 TIE-DOWN ROPING 1. Westyn Hughes .......... 24.3 sec. on 3 2. Sterling Smith ............................ 29.1 3. Zack Jongbloed ......................... 35.4 BULL RIDING 1. Trey Kimzey ........................... 89 pts. * No other qualified rides

James Phifer photo Saddle bronc rider Traylin Martin had the biggest win of his career at Rodeo Austin. Martin put his victory in motion with this 86-point ride on Dakota Rodeo’s Richie’s High, which split the second round win.

Complete results/Page 61

ProRodeo Sports News 3/29/2024

ProRodeo Sports News 3/29/2024

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