J.D. Struxness, the reigning world champion steer wrestler, continues to grind at the National Finals Rodeo. He finished fourth during Saturday’s third round.
(PHOTO BY GREG WESTFALL)

 

LAS VEGAS – Just like a snake in hiding, reigning world champion steer wrestler J.D. Struxness is waiting to strike.

“I feel like we ran some runners,” Struxness said about the animals he has drawn through the opening three rounds of the National Finals Rodeo. “(Saturday) we ran one that was just OK.”

He made the cow better, dropping it to the ground in 4.2 seconds to finish fourth on Night 3 of ProRodeo’s championship event. It was worth $15,377 and increased his NFR earnings to $47,457. He collected cash during Thursday’s first go-round, then just missed the pay window by a smidge Friday.

“It feels good to collect another check,” said Struxness, 31, of Milan, Minnesota. “I think things are good. The horses are holding in there. We’re getting little things worked out here and there, and they’ll get stronger as the week goes on.”

Progression and consistency are key ingredients in sports, especially at an event like the NFR, a true Western battle over 10 December nights. The Super Bowl is four quarters, and Major League Baseball, the NBA and the NHL have a seven-game series to crown their champions. Rodeo is a 10-day stretch in the Nevada desert.

The main difference the players in the other professional leagues have guaranteed salaries and receive a bonus in the playoffs; rodeo contestants only collect what they earn, and they have to beat most of the field to garner a dime. In Las Vegas, if a cowboy doesn’t finish among the top six on any night, then he’s shut out.

That’s why playing the game in the long run can pay off. Struxness knows all about that, now in his seventh qualification. He placed in eight rounds a year ago and left town with rodeo gold.

“We’ll get on the better end of the steers eventually,” Struxness said of the random draw that happens an hour and a half before the rodeo begins at 7 p.m. Central. “We’ll just keep working this first half of the week and see where things are shaking out, and we’ll bet ready to put the hammer down in the second half.”

There are plenty of factors that play into a bulldogger’s success. Not only does Struxness have to perform well, and it helps to be matched with one of the better steers in the pen of 15 used. It’s also vital to have quality horses – both his and that used by his hazer – to get him in position. In his case, Struxness is riding Ice, a 7-year-old gray, while veteran hazer Matt Reeves rides Jenny, a 6-year-old sorrel mare.

“Ice is working good,” said Struxness, who is fifth in the world standings with $186,129. “We’re getting our feet on the ground. I feel like we’ve had some steers that tried, but we’re doing alright. If we get some better steers and get them some confidence, they’ll really get going then.”