Tristen Hutchings’ voicemail proved prophetic. When he cannot be reached, he lets callers know that he’s busy posting a 90-point score on a brahman bull, getting hair out of his spurs, and signing autographs for fans.
“That’s pretty close to what happened tonight, I reckon,” Hutchings said with a laugh.
That is exactly what played out at the Xtreme Bulls Division 2 event in Nephi, Utah. The 22-year-old full-time college student aced his latest exam, delivering a 92-point ride in the finals on Rosser Rodeo’s Loguns Legacy, a record for the Ute Stampede. Hutchings finished first overall with 177.5 points on two head in his latest eye-opening performance.
“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 tonight,” said Hutchings, who pocketed $4,758 for his performance in the two rounds. “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 found traction this season in ways that have even surprised him. His 92 score represents a career best, eclipsing the 91 he posted on Bridwell Pro Rodeos’ Bailey’s Rozet Swag at the Sheriff’s PRCA Rodeo in San Bernardino, Calif., five days earlier.
“I actually got run over (by Loguns Legacy), so I didn’t even realize my score because he stepped on my butt,” Hutchings said. “They always surprise you with scores. Sometimes you think you do have a big one, and it doesn’t happen. But tonight, it was really awesome.”
It has been a whirlwind of month for Hutchings. He sits in fifth place in the PRCA | RAM World Standings, squarely in the mix as he heads to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo presented by Teton Ridge in Las Vegas for the first time.
Hutchings earned more than $125,000 this season. Not bad for a cowboy who saw rodeo as a chance to receive a free college education after starring in the arena at Snake River High School in Idaho.
“I knew I could make the NFR. I just didn’t know if I could do it this year. It’s what I have wanted since I was a little kid. There’s no longer a fear of not making it. Now, it’s the fear of not doing my best there. So, I am really focusing on putting the work in to be ready,” said Hutchings, who is on track to graduate from Sul Ross State with a degree in agriculture this spring and will compete on the college circuit this season because of the commitment he made to his teammates.
“I have been to the Thomas & Mack (Center) a few times,” he said. “They really light that place up. If I can go there for 10 days and smile and have a good time, I think it will all work out.”
Article Courtesy of PRCA
Photo By Hailey Rae
