Rodeo kicks up dust

The USU Rodeo Club took to the arena in Cedar City this past weekend for their first rodeo of the season, and they kicked up quite the score. 

Cassity Gluch, Blaze Klingler, Payt Goodey, Ian Livinstone, Brooke Morris, and Grace Wittstrom of USU gave the other ten schools in the region a run for the money. All of them made it back to the final round in their events, including breakaway roping, tie-down roping, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding and barrel racing.  

Morris went on to win the short round and average in barrel racing, with runs of 18.14 seconds on Friday and 17.81 seconds on Saturday. Saddle bronc rider Livinstone also won his event, scoring a 76-point ride. 

However, Rodeo Club Women’s Captain and go-round finalist team roper Wittstrom believes the team’s success wasn’t just a matter of how they performed in the arena – but outside of it as well. 

“A lot of our kids and our team have really stepped up to the challenge,” said Wittstrom. “They are taking the mental game seriously and it’s shown in the practice pen, and it’s shown in the competition.” 

With six competitors returning to the short go-round and two riders winning their events, this weekend was a massive accomplishment for the team. However, Wittstrom thinks that all of the work that the team has put in has led to an even greater milestone. 

“Our biggest accomplishment is just the hard work that everyone’s been putting in,” said Wittstrom. “This year is a big year of growth and focusing on mindset, practicing hard, and practicing with a purpose.” 

Vice President Goodey, who, along with Wittstrom, was a finalist in tie-down and team roping, tends to agree. 

“We are learning where we can improve, as far as practices and stuff as a team,” said Goodey, “As far as that goes, we’re just starting to see where we can make improvements and adjustments.” 

Wittstrom and Goodey have always prioritized growth and improvement in their practices and competitions. This is also why Goodey thinks rodeo is “more than just a sport.”

“It’s not just showing up to something,” said Goodey, “It builds a lot of character, not just in the arena, but outside of the arena. It teaches people how to work hard and stick to something, even if it’s not something you want to do.” 

Wittstrom also believes that this allows the team to work together and have a foundation of trust. 

“Rodeo is technically an individual sport,” said Wittstrom. “But the way that our team functions is really focused on trust.” 

Just last weekend, Wittstrom helped her teammate Gluch by setting up her horse in the box, but if she had done something wrong, it could have messed up Gluch’s entire performance 

“Taking advice and trusting your peers. trusting your horses, trusting the outcome, that’s a huge part, especially in team roping,” said Wittstrom. “You really have to trust your partner that they will give you the best shot, or you’re going to give him the best shot.” 

Wittstrom has seen this over the course of her three years in college rodeo, and she works to share it with newer members of the growing team. 

“They were freshmen too once,” said Karina Coombs, a first-year Rodeo Club member, “so they are so willing to help.” 

With the support of her teammates and leaders like Wittstrom and Goodey, Coombs has found a place in the arena and among the team.

And for her, that includes carpooling to the rodeos. 

“We all pulled up in different trucks. Some of us carpooled,” said Coombs, “but just being there was fun and exciting.” 

It’s what makes this sport memorable to Coombs and all of those who support it. 

“We wouldn’t be able to do it without community support and people to cheer us on,” said Wittstrom. 

For the USU Rodeo Club, this support means more to them than kicking up dust – or even a high score.

The rodeo club competes next at the Cache County Fairgrounds on Friday, Sep. 24 from 7-10 p.m. Tickets are available at the gate and are $10 for adults, 5$ for students, and family packs can be purchased.