LAS VEGAS – Cort Scheer’s run at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo wasn’t his best.

Sure, he shared the second-round victory, but that was the only night he placed. Frustrating is one description for the two-time NFR qualifier from Elsmere, Neb.

Motivating is another.

“I don’t think I rode as good as I should have, but I’m not going to get down about it,” said Scheer, a saddle bronc rider who attended Garden City (Kan.) Community College, Montana State University and Oklahoma Panhandle State University on rodeo scholarships.

“I could complain about it and get all upset, but that’s rodeo. Now I’m dang sure excited about next year.”

Scheer rode eight of 10 broncs and, most importantly, placed in the average by having the fifth best cumulative score. That $15,901 bonus pushed the Nebraskans NFR earnings to $30,429. He finished the season ninth in the world standings with $98,180.

“I’m happy with it,” he said. “You see lots of guys come in here and not win a dime. I didn’t win anything close to what I expected. You can either let that get you down, or you can thrive on it and build for next year.

The support system in his corner is a key part of his positive attitude; it takes a lot of help and the right mind-set to be one of the best in the game, and Scheer is.

“I’ve got my sponsors behind me, and my family’s always supporting me,” he said. “They never had a negative moment this whole finals. You see a lot of guys come in here, and they don’t do what they thought they could. That just happens.

“I don’t have any regrets. You learn from everything. I can’t wait until next year. I’m excited.”