Cowboy narrows focus for success

J.W. McCuistion once was a jack of all trades. Now he's focusing on mastering one.

McCuistion scored a Thursday-best score of 79 at the saddle bronc event of the Greeley Stampede at Island Grove Regional Park.

His score put him in a tie for second in the overall standings behind Rusty Allen, who scored an 80 on Wednesday.

While growing up on a farm in the small southeastern Colorado town of Sugar City, McCuistion was part of a family that was heavily involved in rodeo.

"I was raised into it," the charismatic 25-year-old McCuistion said of his lifelong passion for rodeo.

McCuistion used to compete in every rodeo event he could put his finger prints on. Now, he's limiting his participation to saddle bronc riding.

Bronc riding requires the rider to sit atop an untamed horse often weighing in excess of 1,000 pounds. The horse attempts to buck off the rider and the rider does his best to hang on for eight seconds while judges rate the cowboy's and horse's performance.

McCuistion said he's developed an infatuation with saddle bronc riding in recent years.

"In high school I did everything," he said. "Saddle broncs has always been by favorite event. It's easier on the body. Plus, I think (saddle broncs) looks a little classier."

McCuistion admits he may not be cut out for the rigors of bareback riding.

"I'm probably not tough enough for bareback," he said with a smile.

Following Thursday's event, McCuistion said even though he wasn't fully content with his performance, he had few complaints.

Bronc riding is an event in which the horse is just as important as the rider, McCuistion said.

McCuistion said even though his horse, Popeye, provided a mistake-free performance, as the rider, he didn't perform quite up to his standards.

"He's always a good horse," McCuistion said of Popeye. "I could've rode him a little better."

As a 25-year-old at one of the country's largest rodeos, McCuistion was surrounded by veterans with years of experience.

However, McCuistion was quick to point out he's experienced beyond his years, having jumped out to an early start to his pro rodeo career.

McCuistion received his pro rodeo card in 2002, and has remained active in rodeos since then.

"I'm not a veteran yet, but I've been to a few places," McCuistion said.

The Greeley Stampede has been one of the events McCuistion has continuously marked on his calendar since receiving his card as a 20-year-old five years ago.

McCuistion is one of few Coloradoans representing the state in this year's Stampede and he was the only Coloradoan in Thursday's saddle bronc event. He said he embraces the pressure and responsibility of representing his state at the Stampede.

"I got my card in 2002 and I've been here every year since," he said. "It's close to home, and I've always like coming to Greeley."

Greeley Stampede

Thursday

Top 3

Bareback Bronc Riding -- 1. Chip Dees IV 83, 2. Bee Jay Scott 81, 3. Andy Carter 79; Steer Wrestling -- 1. Gerald Pasley 4.6, 2. Todd Suhn 5, 3. Sam Koenig 5.2; Saddle Bronc Riding -- 1. J.W. McCuistion & Todd Rangel 79, 3. Ira Slagowski 77; Tie Down Roping -- 1. Jeff Chapman 7.9, 2. Jade Lyon 9.9, 3. Nate Baldwin; Team Roping -- 1. Keven Daniel/Jhett Johnson 5.8, 2. Charly Crawford/Cody Hintz 5.9; Barrel Racing -- 1. Tyra Kane 17.5, 2. Jil Moody 17.75, 3. Abby Davis 17.86; Bull Riding -- 1. Cory Melton 86, 2. Willaism Clayton & Mike Moore 84