Sports
Rodeo Hall of Famer Mortensen still has it
Posted: May 3, 2010 3:19 PM by Scott Breen
BILLINGS - Six-time World Champion Saddle Bronc Rider Dan Mortensen may have won an exhibition event on April 29 in Guymon, Okla., but, no, the ProRodeo Hall of Famer is not coming out of retirement. There is no Brett Favre-like press conference scheduled.
"I can do it every once in a while, but as far as going full time, I still don't think that is in the cards for me," said Mortensen, who won an all-around world title in 1997 to go with his six saddle bronc riding gold buckles.
However, the 41-year-old from Billings, Mont., did achieve his goal at the Henry Hitch Arena. He also was able to connect with old friends and make some new ones.
"It was a lot of fun," Mortensen said. "That is what I wanted to get out of it, to have a good time, and we accomplished that."
Mortensen, who retired in November 2008, left the sport after a bout with injuries and is tied with the legendary Casey Tibbs for most saddle bronc riding world titles. Meanwhile, his great rivals, five-time World Champion Billy Etbauer and 19-time Wrangler National Finals Rodeo qualifier Rod Hay continued on.
In fact, it was good friend Hay who convinced Mortensen to participate in the saddle bronc riding and steer roping exhibition held in conjunction with the Guymon (Okla.) Pioneer Days Rodeo, April 30-May 2.
Hay, of Wildwood, Alberta, convinced Mortensen he should replace Canadian saddle bronc rider Dustin Flundra, who was unable to attend the inaugural Classic Events Championship. Hay picked Mortensen up on his way through Montana en route to Guymon.
In the exhibition, each cowboy in the 20-man field had to ride two broncs and rope two steers. The livestock were drawn at random - even the roping horses. Guymon resident Rick Furnish created the exhibition to showcase cowboys who can work both ends of the arena.
Mortensen shook off any rust from his two-year hiatus pretty quickly in the bronc riding; he scored 157 points on two head. However, he missed both of his steers.
"If I was going to screw up, I was glad it was in the steer roping and not the saddle bronc riding," he said. "I was darn sure nervous, but it went well. One doesn't want to embarrass oneself."
The field included 2007 World Champion Taos Muncy, 23, who finished second in the bronc riding, along with Hay, who wasn't among the top finishers.
Ty Atchison of Jackson, Mo., was the best overall contestant and claimed the Montana Silversmiths buckle, along with prize money of $1,500. Nebraska cowboy Cort Scheer finished first in the steer roping.
Atchison and Mortensen both enjoyed seeing established bronc riders test their skills in steer roping. Atchison posted qualified rides on both his bucking horses and was able to catch and tie one of his steers to clinch the event title.
"It was an awesome event," Atchison said. "It really was."
Classic Events Championship
(Exhibition saddle bronc riding and steer roping event)
Unofficial prize money
April 29, Guymon, Okla.
Saddle bronc riding: 1. Dan Mortensen, $1,200; 2. Taos Muncy, $900; 3. Ty Atchison, $600; 4. Ryan Montry, $300.
Steer roping: 1. Cort Scheer, $1,200; 2. Travis Sheets, $900; 3. Cody Taton, $600; 4. Matt Hebbert, $300.
Overall: 1. Ty Atchison, $1,200; 2. (tie) Cort Scheer and Travis Sheets, $750 each; 4. Cody Taton, $300.
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