ProRodeo Sports News - October 14, 2022

XTREME BULLS NEPHI, UTAH

Nephi win caps Hutchings NFR-qualifying season Celebration

BY BRADY RENCK, Special to ProRodeo Sports News T hanks to a bull, there is an elephant in the zoom. Tristen Hutchings figured he would reach the NFR one day, his career trending in the right direction. However, the college senior at Sul Ross State in Alpine, Texas, accomplished his goal in September, leaving a trip to Las Vegas on his calendar for the first 10 days in December. That’s also when college finals occur. “I am sure I will get it all done before I head out. I zoom into a lot of my classes now,” Hutchings said, an agriculture major on track to graduate this spring. “I think it can get figured out.” There’s no equation that has stumped Hutchings of late. While he plans to compete on the college circuit this season – “My word is my bond and I made a commitment that I would go, so there’s no backing out,” Hutchings explained – it’s fair to wonder why. It is also fair to feel sorry for those college kids competing against him. Hutchings has established himself as one of the best bull riders in the world, ranking fifth in the PRCA | RAMWorld Standings with more than $125,000 in earnings this season as he qualified for his first NFR. “I have been toThomas &Mack (Arena) a few times. They really light that place up,” the 22-year-old Hutchings said. “There’s no longer a fear of not making it. The fear now is not being able to do my best. But, if I can go there for 10 days and smile and have a good time, I think I will be happy with how it all works out.” Hutchings was on quite the roll to end the season. The full-time college student aced his latest exam in the Xtreme Bulls event in Nephi, Utah, delivering a 92-point ride in the finals on Rosser Rodeo’s Loguns Legacy, a record for the Ute Stampede. Hutchings finished first place overall with 177.5 points on two head in his latest eye-opening performance. He earned $4,758 for the two performances. “I knew the bull pretty good. He is nominated to go to the finals right now. I actually argued to get him there. He proved to be really good,” Hutchings said. “It was just phenomenal. It was really loose, but it wasn’t uncomfortable. I got to use my spurs so that’s always a good thing.” Hutchings hit his stride late in the season. His 92 score represents a career best, surpassing the 91 he posted on Bailey’s Rozet Swag at the Sheriff ’s PRCA Rodeo in San Bernardino, Calif., five days prior. “I actually got run over (by Loguns Legacy), so I didn’t even realize my score because he stepped on my backside,” Hutchings said. “They always surprise you with scores. Sometimes you think you do have a big one, and it doesn’t happen. But it was really awesome.” With the NFR in his future, Hutchings plans to act more his age for a few weeks as he returns to college life. “I am going to take a week off, then do some college rodeos, and a couple of Xtreme Bulls events. I will definitely keep practicing and get in the gym,” Hutchings said. “I have been riding for a year straight. So, it will be great to hang out with friends, spend some time with them and sleep in my own bed.”

PRCA XTREME BULLS 2022 TOUR STANDINGS (Unofficial as of Oct. 12) 1. Stetson Wright, Milford, Utah..............$73,945 2. Josh Frost, Randlett, Utah.....................63,309 3. Jeff Askey, Athens, Texas. .....................62,664 4. Maverick Potter, Waxahachie, Texas.......58,717 5. Garrett Smith, Rexburg, Idaho...............50,549 6. Tristen Hutchings, Monteview, Idaho. ....44,447 7. Cole Fischer, Jefferson City, Mo.............42,450 8. Trevor Kastner, Roff, Okla......................41,219 9. Reid Oftedahl, Raymond, Minn..............33,763 10. Tyler Taylor, Stephenville, Texas. .........32,165 11. Lukasey Morris, Union City, Okla.........28,450 12. Sage Steele Kimzey, Salado, Texas.......26,696 13. Riggin L. Shippy, Colome, S.D.............26,609 14. Jace Trosclair, Chauvin, La.. ................24,656 15. Ky Hamilton, Mackay, Australia............24,040

Complete results/Page 51

John Golom photo Tristen Hutchings poses with the buckle he won for his victory at the Xtreme Bulls event in Nephi, Utah. At left is PRCA CEO Tom Glause.

Steve Gray photo

Tristen Hutchings sealed the win at the Nephi (Utah) Xtreme Bulls event Sept. 30 with his 92-point ride on Rosser Rodeo’s Loguns Legacy in the finals. Hutchings earned $4,758.

ProRodeo Sports News 10/14/2022

ProRodeo Sports News 10/14/2022

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