Fritzlan Continues Late Push for 2022 PBR World Finals with Second-Place Finish in Nampa
By: Justin Felisko
PUEBLO, Colo. – Time may be ticking for Colten Fritzlan, but the clock is not out just yet when it comes to the 2020 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo event winner qualifying for the 2022 PBR World Finals.
Fritzlan’s 3-for-3, second-place finish at the PBR ZipRecruiter Invitational, presented by Cooper Tires, this weekend in Nampa, Idaho, keeps him in contention for the PBR’s season-ending marquee event taking place on May 13-22 in Fort Worth, Texas.
The 22-year-old missed the first three months of the season recovering from left shoulder surgery he underwent last September. His return to PBR action this year was rough (0-for-6) until he finally broke out this weekend in Nampa.
Fritzlan capped his 3-for-3 weekend inside the Ford Idaho Center with 85.75 points on Buckin’ For Cash in the championship round. He picked up a crucial 80.5 points to move up to No. 54 in the world standings with one regular-season event remaining.
“I went back and did some more, and I was just looking forward to doing what it takes,” Fritzlan, who missed last weekend’s event in Tulsa, told CBS Sports Network sideline reporter Kate Harrison. “Keeping it simple. In the time off, I rededicated myself. I am just looking forward to what it takes.”
Fritzlan began Nampa with 85 points on Lone Ranger in Round 1 on Friday. He turned down a re-ride in Round 2 after he rode Slingshot for 70.75 points on Saturday to enter the championship round in sixth place.
Nampa is Fritzlan’s first 3-for-3 performance since winning his debut premier series event last year in Okeechobee, Florida.
Fritzlan began Nampa ranked No. 196 in the world standings. His second-place finish resulted in a 142-place jump in the world rankings.
The Rifle, Colorado, native will now head into the UTB regular-season finale next weekend in Billings, Montana, 49.5 points outside of the Top 35 and a World Finals qualification. The PBR Cooper Tires Invitational, presented by Ariat, begins Friday at 9:30 p.m. ET on RidePass on Pluto TV.
According to Dr. Tandy Freeman, word No. 35 Adriano Salgado missed Round 2 on Saturday night because of a concussion he sustained in Round 1 when Poker Chip bucked him off in 2.13 seconds.
Fritzlan’s work is far from done, but he has certainly kept his chances alive this weekend inside the Ford Idaho Center.
“Just keep riding,” Fritzlan said after riding Buckin’ for Cash. “You have to keep moving on bulls like this, as long as you are moving and you are riding. If you can see them, you can ride them.”
Follow Justin Felisko on Twitter @jfelisko
Photo courtesy of Andy Watson/Bull Stock Media
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