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Feeling Healthy and Bulletproof, Lawrence Leads Hungry Team USA Wolves at Global Cup

By: Darci Miller

ARLINGTON, Texas – Stetson Lawrence will be the first to admit it: he’s had a rather slow start to the 2020 season.

Lawrence is just 3-for-13 on the Unleash The Beast this season.

But luckily, he has a positive-mindset guru in his back pocket in Team USA Wolves head coach Ted Nuce.

“Ted Nuce, he’s the greatest guy on mentally preparing you and everything,” Lawrence said. “So I’ve been talking to him ever since it was announced that he’s our coach, and he’s been a great help for me. So just stay on the positive side, and don’t let the lows bring you down. Just keep looking up and striving to be the best you can be.”

While Lawrence doesn’t have an abundance of qualified rides under his belt, one of those rides (88 points on The Tickler in Sacramento) did earn him his first premier series round win in nine months.

It was a welcome return to form as the seven-time PBR World Finals qualifier gets past knee issues that had been plaguing him since last October.

 
“I’ve got a lot of room for improvements, and I actually feel healthy now,” Lawrence said. “It’s a weight lifted off my shoulders more than anything that I feel healthy. I can use my right leg fully, and not have to favor it anymore. I’m really excited for the next month.”

First up on the list of things Lawrence is excited for is the 2020 WinStar World Casino and Resort Global Cup USA, presented by Monster Energy, in Arlington, Texas.

Lawrence arrived at AT&T Stadium on Thursday for team check-in as by far the most senior member of the Team USA Wolves following Ryan Dirteater’s withdrawal following spinal fractures sustained last week.

Losing Dirteater was a tough blow for a Wolves squad hoping to improve on its third-place finish in 2019, but Lawrence says the group hasn’t spent too much time dwelling on it.

“We were all on a group text, messaging,” Lawrence said. “It sucks, but we had a backup plan, and Dakota (Louis) was waiting right there for the call if we needed him. And it sucks that Ryan’s out, but Dakota’s a good enough man to step up and take his place. So we’re looking forward to that, and I’m sure he can handle the pressure.”

Louis steps into a team that also includes Keyshawn Whitehorse, Cody Jesus, Colten Jesse, Cannon Cravens and Wyatt Rogers.

Dirteater will still be in attendance in Arlington, but in his absence on the active roster, Lawrence becomes the de-facto team leader. Nonetheless, he’s not concerned about his own responsibilities changing – nor his teammates having any difficulties.

“I don’t think it’s changed my role that Dirt’s out, because he’s still going to come here and help everybody, if they have any questions or anything,” Lawrence said. “More than anything, I’m just worried about what my job is, staying on the bull. And I’ll help these guys out if they need it, but most of these guys have been around long enough that they don’t need any help.”

Lawrence has drawn I’m Legit Too (8-3, UTB) for Round 1 (RidePass, 7:45 p.m. ET).

Lawrence is making his third Global Cup appearances, and is 2-for-4 in his prior appearances in Sydney in 2018 and on the inaugural Wolves squad in 2019. He got one ride on the board in 2019 – 85 points on ZZ Top in Round 1 – and he’ll have to step up once again for the Wolves to have a shot in 2020.

“I’m excited about being at Global Cup,” Lawrence said. “Team’s looking great. Everybody’s healthy-ish, and everybody’s excited to be here. The atmosphere here is outstanding. Just got good vibes from everybody, and looking forward to (competing).”

Indeed, “healthy-ish” is an accurate descriptor of the Wolves. Cravens has been dealing with a broken leg since mid-2019, and Whitehorse has only gotten on two bulls in competition in 2020 as he’s recovered from a hand injury.

But the team is ready to roll in Arlington, and there’s perhaps no better motivation than pulling on a red, white and blue jersey.

The Wolves will not only be riding for each other and their country, but for the entire Native American community.

“It’s amazing. You feel bulletproof more than anything,” Lawrence said. “It feels amazing, and makes you want to compete at the best level you can and try your hardest.

“It’s all motivation. I thrive off of that kind of feeling.”

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