ProRodeo Sports News - September 2, 2022

KENNEWICK, WASH.

HORSE HEAVEN ROUNDUP

Determined

Creek Young finds paydirt in Washington BY BRADY RENCK, Special to ProRodeo Sports News C reek Young thinks like an older man. He does not turn 22 until November, but he views life with a maturity gleaned from adversity and competition. The reigning PRCA Rookie of the Year bull rider knew he wanted to pursue a rodeo career for a living by his sophomore year of high school. His father, a bull rider, passed when he was baby. His mother died when he was 11. Extended family raised him, encouraging him to pursue his dream as he graduated in December of his senior year of high school in Missouri. “With bull riding I was definitely attracted to it at a young age. I finished school early after deciding a few years earlier what my plan was. I wanted to ride and take my shot,” Young said. “And I couldn’t have done it and I wouldn’t still be doing it without my support system. This sport is different than all others with the people you meet. They really look after you to make things possible.” Everything is on the table for Young with the way he performs. He finished fifth in the world standings in 2021 and continues to widen eyes with his work this season. He recently won the two-head average with 165 points at the Horse Heaven Roundup Rodeo in Kennewick, Wash., claiming $8,111 in prize money. The math proved easy as Young was the only competitor to ride two bulls, allowing him to move from sixth after the first round to the title on Bridwell Pro Rodeos’ DoubleThreat. “It was a tough short round. I didn’t expect to be the only guy to ride. It was a good bull. He left frommy hand, and it was a pretty normal ride,” Young said. “It ended up nice. Getting on a bull, it’s hard to describe. Of course, there are nerves. And a lot of adrenaline. But I love it.” Young boasts five wins this season, including the Xtreme Bulls in Grand Island, Neb., and the Reno (Nev.) Rodeo. It feels a long way away from his days on his permit when he struggled to make a living. What makes that time interesting is that it did not deter Young. The opposite, in fact. “Yeah, it was definitely hard. But I saw progress each year and that was something to build on,” Young said. “I saw myself getting better and better. It really motivated me.” Young, who watches old videos of 1980s and 1990s legends of the sport to improve his craft, found traction last season. He earned $241,811, and $100,135 alone at the NFR. Getting back remains only part of the goal. He has a finish in mind. “Getting there last year, I had some unforgettable moments. It was a pretty awesome experience going through it, through the rounds. It would definitely mean everything to get back,” said Young, who is lanky and strong at 6-foot and 150 pounds. “Anything better than fifth place, and I would be happy. But it all starts with getting back.”

TOP MONEY EARNER TOP SCORES

Tristan Martin ($9,460, steer wrestling) BAREBACK RIDING

Martin

1. Cole Reiner .................. 177 pts. on 2 2. R.C. Landingham ..................... 167.5 (Tie) Jess Pope ........................ 167.5 STEER WRESTLING 1. Tristan Martin . ............ 11.9 sec. on 3 2. Walt Arnold ................................ 12.3 3. Dirk Tavenner ............................. 12.5 TEAM ROPING 1. Stanley/Campbell ........ 16.3 sec. on 3 2. L. Simpson/R. Motes ................. 16.5 3. B. Hall/C. Tryan .......................... 16.6 SADDLE BRONC RIDING 1. Stetson Wright . ........... 174 pts. on 2 2. Logan Cook . ............................ 172.5 3. Brody Wells ............................. 169.5 TIE-DOWN ROPING 1. Tyler Milligan .............. 24.6 sec. on 3 2. Kyle Lucas ................................. 25.8 3. Adam Gray ................................. 26.3 BARREL RACING 1. Cheyenne Allan ......... 34.50 sec. on 2 2. Hailey Kinsel ............................ 34.57 3. Emily Beisel ............................. 34.64 BULL RIDING 1. Creek Young ................ 165 pts. on 2 2. Canyon Bass ......................... 86 on 1 3. Jeff Askey ..................................... 84

Complete results/Page 62

Bill Lawless photo

Bull rider Creek Young continued his push to qualify for his second-consecutive Wrangler National Finals Rodeo by winning the two head average at the Horse Heaven Roundup Rodeo in Kennewick, Wash. He earned $8,111 at the rodeo.

ProRodeo Sports News 9/2/2022

ProRodeo Sports News 9/2/2022

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