Tutor Edges Out Win in Guymon
GUYMON, Okla. – True to his name, Bill Tutor took the rest of the bareback riding field to school.
The fourth-ranked cowboy in the RAM PRCA Bareback Riding World Standings strolled into the Guymon (Okla.) Pioneer Days Rodeo wanting to maintain his place among the premiere riders in the sport. With the help of Pete Carr Pro Rodeo’s Dirty Jacket, Tutor did just that.
Tutor took advantage of Guymon’s one-go format, scoring 87.5 points to edge Jake Brown by a half point to win his first Pioneer Days title, as well as $2,369.
“I’ve been coming to Guymon ever since I was on my permit, so to come out with a win, it feels awesome,” Tutor said. “Just going there so many years and finally getting it done, that’s a great feeling.”
The 2017 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo qualifier had previously been aboard the decorated Dirty Jacket once before in 2014. At the Lea County (N.M.) Fair and PRCA Rodeo, Tutor rode Dirty Jacket for 88 points, a ride that he says he used to his advantage in Guymon.
“It always helps,” the 26-year-old said. “You kind of know what to expect. Dirty Jacket has a huge rear-out and you know to be looking for that. She’s electric through the rest of the ride, so you just have to come prepared and do your job.
“Anytime you have Dirty Jacket drawn, it’s exciting. You try to stay as calm as possible, but that’s almost impossible. She’s great, she lives up to her name.”
For the Texas cowboy, winning Guymon follows what has been an uplifting script. Not only did Tutor qualify for his first Wrangler NFR in December, but he also added a win at the All-American ProRodeo Finals (Waco, Texas) and has continued to pick up checks along the way. Right now, Tutor likes the level of his game.
“I feel good,” Tutor said. “I’ve had a good couple of weekends and I’ve just been working hard at it at the house. Just getting to train, getting on the bucking machine, I think it really helps. I’ve been working on the mental game, and the confidence just carries over.”
After the best year of his rodeo career, Tutor is taking his success in stride.
“It’s been fantastic,” he said. “I’ve really been blessed. Getting to qualify for my first Finals last year was a dream come true, but it really lit a fire. It inspires you to work harder and try your guts out to try to make it back. You have to give it your all, and that’s what I’m trying to do.”
Other winners at the $233,874 rodeo were steer wrestler Hunter Cure (12.3 seconds on three head), team ropers Cody Snow and Wesley Thorp (24.1 seconds on three head), saddle bronc rider Jake Wright (84.5 points on Pete Carr Pro Rodeo’s Yoyo), tie-down roper Reese Riemer (30.2 seconds on three head), barrel racer Kylie Weast (34.81 seconds on two runs), steer ropers Tony Reina and Rocky Patterson (49.6 seconds on four head each), and bull rider Cole Melancon (89 points on Pete Carr’s Classic Pro Rodeo’s Chigger).
For more coverage of the Guymon Pioneer Days Rodeo, check out the May 18 edition of the ProRodeo Sports News.
Courtesy of PRCA