His route changed, but his determination never wavered.
That’s why Brad Pierce still found a way to fulfill his goal by finishing the 2007 season as PRCA Resistol All-Around and Bull Riding Rookie of the Year.
He achieved those goals despite missing more than three months of the season because of groin and knee injuries. Through it all, Pierce still found a way to earn $57,774 to run away with the all-around honors and $55,486 in bull riding.
Pierce, a native of New South Wales, Australia, got his year rolling at the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo, where he won the first round, placed third in another and finished third in the average, earning $19,892.
That put him in great shape not only in the rookie standings, but for qualification to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo as well; he was ranked as high as No. 2 in the Crusher Rentals PRCA World Standings. But it started to unravel at the San Angelo (Texas) Stock Show and Rodeo in late February, where he suffered a torn groin.
Pierce, 21, returned just in time for the summer season, but once again found himself on the sidelines after tearing a ligament in his knee at the Dodge Xtreme Bulls Tour stop on June 30 in Cody, Wyo.
A month later, Pierce returned for the final two months of the regular season.
“I wanted to win the rookie bull riding and all-around this year,” said Pierce, who rides bulls and saddle broncs in ProRodeo events and as a college athlete at Western Texas College in Snyder. “Being out so long, I had sort of been worrying about it, but I’m glad it worked out. Everyone gets hurt now and then, but I enjoy (rodeoing).”
Pierce nearly qualified for this week’s Wrangler NFR but came up short, finishing 22nd in the standings. That certainly gives the Aussie a new goal for 2008.
“My goal, of course, is to make the (Wrangler) National Finals Rodeo,” Pierce said. “I couldn’t do it this year, but if I can stay healthy, I’m sure I can make a good run next year.”
Other PRCA rookies of the year who also have Wrangler NFR hopes in 2008 include bareback rider Tilden Hooper of Carthage, Texas; steer wrestler Parker Howell of Stillwell, Okla.; team roper (heading) Justin Young of Firestone, Colo.; team roper (heeling) Broc Cresta of Santa Rosa, Calif.; saddle bronc rider Jesse Kruse of Great Falls, Mont.; tie-down roper Sterling Smith of Stephenville, Texas; barrel racer Cathy Grant of Granton, Ontario; and steer roper K.W. Lauer of Buffalo, Okla.
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