ProRodeo Sports News - August 24, 2018

LAWTON RANGERS RODEO

new challenge, a new bull.” Teel, a five-time Wrangler National Finals Rodeo qualifier between 2012- 16, has had a front-row seat for Freeman’s development. “I have known Ross for a long time, since he was getting on steers,” Teel said. “I’ve seen the process he went through. He’s been dedicated to it forever. He takes it very seriously, and he works harder at it than most guys who are riding today. Everyone is different how they prepare and do things. Ross has in his mind what he’s going to do, and his consistency with that is finally showing in the arena.” Freeman acknowledged Teel and others have been instrumental in advancing his career. “We have been family friends with Cody and his father, Robbie, for a long time, and they really helped me and taught me a lot,” Freeman said. “Ever since I was little, Cody was someone who I could look up to and hang around, and he was a good role model. Between Cody and Robbie and my dad, and several other people along the way who are from around down here, they got me to where I am now.” Although Freeman would love to get on a heater and make the 2018 Wrangler NFR, he’s keeping this season in perspective. “This is a year for me to learn how the road is, figure out how to enter rodeos and where to go when, hang out with guys who will show me the ropes, and get some experience,” he said. “You have to learn the mental game of bull riding. When you buck off one, there’s another one tomorrow. You smile, and you go on and keep believing in yourself and the ability you have been given and blessed with.” Teel is confident Freeman will be competing at the Wrangler NFR sooner rather than later. “He dang sure has the ability, and once he adapts to the traveling part of it I think he will be there for sure,” Teel said.

(Jeff ) and his buddies are in the welding and fabrication business, so I have an in if I want to do that when I get out of rodeoing.” RODEO ROOTS Ross didn’t have to look far to get a taste of rodeo life, as his dad was a bull rider fromKountze, Texas, and his mom, Casey, was a barrel racer. She also did goat tying, tie-down roping and breakaway roping. He also has an older brother, Greg, 24, who was a former steer wrestler. Ross also easily found bulls to ride. “Kountze, Texas, is where (2012 PRCA world champion) bull rider Cody Teel is from, and when I grew up, there were buck-outs every Sunday at Cody’s place,” Freeman said. “When I was a kid, I got accustomed to being over there and I fell in love with bull riding. I kept getting on more and more bulls, and it just snowballed from there. It’s something I can put my time and effort into all day. At the end of the day, I still want more of it. There’s always a

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Complete results on Page 54

SADDLE BRONC RIDING 1. (tie) Ross Griffin ....................... 84 pts. Bradley Harter ................................. 84 3. Tyrel Larsen .................................. 83.5 4. Joey Sonnier III ............................ 82.5

TIE-DOWN ROPING 1. (tie) Ryle Smith ......... 17.9 sec. on two Michael Otero ............................... 17.9 3. Timber Moore ............................... 18.7 4. Will Howell ................................... 19.6

BARREL RACING 1. Donna Kay Rule .................. 17.24 sec. 2. Ari-Anna Flynn ............................ 17.29 3. Kylie Weast ................................. 17.41 4. Savannah Pearson ...................... 17.45

BULL RIDING 1. Ross Freeman ....................... 88.5 pts. 2. J.W. Harris ....................................... 86 3. Dustin Boquet .................................. 84 4. Reid Barker ................................... 83.5

ProRodeo Sports News 8/24/2018

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