ProRodeo Sports News - October 30, 2020

PRORODEO COWBOYS

Being mentally Preparing for competition takes many approaches (and stretches) Warming up Jackie Jensen photo Saddle bronc rider Brody Cress, right, has a detailed warmup routine. Before competing at the Gold Buckle Beer ProRodeo Tour Finale, he used bands to work his legs behind the bucking chutes while bull rider Trey Benton III did his own routine.

BY MATT NABER P yrotechnics illuminated the packed arena as Boyd Polhamus’ voice boomed for

and physically prepared are equally important. “I try to do the

same thing and not exert myself, but just staying positive is a big thing for me,” said Spencer, the 2014World Champion Saddle Bronc Rider. “I like to visualize what I’d like the ride to look like.” Rusty and Spencer know what it takes to succeed, boasting seven trips to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, not counting Rusty’s 2020 qualification. “I don’t like to wear myself down before I get on,” Rusty said. “My nerves get me sweating enough without running around. The nerves are a big part of it. But Brody (Cress) is probably working with his bands, and he

the packed grandstands while cowboys prepared for one of the final ProRodeo competitions of the 2020 season. Meanwhile, saddle bronc riders Rusty Wright, 24, and his uncle Spencer, 29, sat on the ground just outside the arena’s side door, stretching and checking their equipment while enjoying the tranquility of a quiet, late-September night. “I like to just chill before I ride and not think too much and just sit and wait,” Rusty said before competing at the Gold Buckle Beer ProRodeo Tour Finale in Rapid City, S.D.

ProRodeo Sports News 10/30/2020

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