Utah Valley University (UVU) is proud to announce that Sam Carson, a student at the university, took first place in the steer wrestling competition at the College National Finals Rodeo held at the Ford Center in Casper, Wyoming, in a series of rounds from June 9-15.

Carson’s win in the steer wrestling competition not only earned him the coveted first-place title but also brought home the traditional belt buckle and valuable college scholarships. While the exact amount of scholarship money he won has not been disclosed, it undoubtedly serves as a testament to his exceptional abilities and dedication to his sport.

“Sam, who hails from Pleasant Grove, Utah, stands at six feet six inches tall and weighs 200 hundred pounds plus,” said Shane Draper, Carson’s rodeo coach at UVU. “He rides a horse that is one and one-half hands taller than most horses and has great command over his rides. He is an athletic force to be reckoned with.”

In addition to his remarkable achievements, Carson was honored with the inaugural Spirit of the Cowboy Award. This honor recognizes individuals who embody the true essence of the cowboy spirit, showcasing qualities such as integrity, sportsmanship, and a deep appreciation for the rodeo tradition.

This victory holds a special significance for the Carson family, as Carson’s older brother Ben also claimed the same title in 2012 while representing UVU. The Carson brothers’ shared success in steer wrestling highlights their family’s deep-rooted passion for the sport and their unwavering commitment to excellence.

Steer wrestling, also known as bulldogging, is a classic rodeo event that originated in the late 19th century. Its purpose was to simulate the techniques used by cowboys to control and immobilize unruly cattle. In this thrilling event, the cowboy mounts a horse and chases a steer, leaping from the horse to wrestle the steer to the ground as quickly as possible.

Draper expressed his pride and admiration for Sam’s remarkable accomplishment, stating, “Sam’s victory in the steer wrestling competition is a testament to his exceptional talent and unwavering dedication. At UVU, we believe that college rodeo is not just about excelling in the arena but also about obtaining a first-rate education. Sam exemplifies the true spirit of a student-athlete, and we are incredibly proud of him.”

In addition to Carson, other UVU rodeo athletes placed in the following events:

Men’s Events
Name	Place	Event
Jace Hanks and Wyatt Ahlstrom	5th	Round 2 Team Roping
Hayden Anderson	11th	Round 2 Steer Wrestling
Cooper Duffin	6th	Tiedown Roping
Cooper Mendenhall	14th	Round 1 Team Roping
UVU Men’s Team	9th	Overall Team Performance
Women’s Events
Name	Place	Event
Ashley Barratt	10th	Round 2 and 3 Goat Tying
Skylee Draper	11th	Round 1 Breakaway Roping
Sadie Mendenhall	8th	Round 3 Barrel Racing
Maddie Roche	2nd	Round 2 Goat Tying