BY BRETT NIERENGARTEN
Rusty Wright is heading to the Wrangler NFR for the fifth time in 2020 and this year, he’ll do it as the No. 11 saddle bronc rider in the world.
After spending much of the season on the bubble, Wright kicked it into gear at the end of August to thrust himself firmly into the Top 15.
Between Aug. 21 and Aug. 29, the Utah native won more than $9,000 at four different rodeos as part of a run where he was marked 83.5 points or better on six consecutive bronc rides. His largest check of that period was at the Xtreme Broncs Finale on Aug. 27 when he rode Professional Lunatic for 86 points to win $3,068.
RUSTY WRIGHT - 86 POINTS ON PROFESSIONAL LUNATIC
Prior to his August winnings, a good chunk of Wright’s money came from winning the Cody Stampede. He teamed up with the legendary Medicine Woman for 91.5 points and earned $5,584.
RUSTY WRIGHT RIDES MEDICINE WOMAN
Wright was marked 90 or higher two other times in 2020. The first came on from his 91-point trip on Ricky Bobby at the National Western in January and the other was 90 points even on Yellowstone at the Gem State Classic in September. He was the Co-Champion in Denver and the won the rodeo in Idaho.
RUSTY WRIGHT - 90 POINTS ON YELLOWSTONE
Although the money won’t count for this season, Wright enters the NFR riding well as he placed in all three rounds at the Wilderness Circuit Finals at the beginning of November. That included 91 points on the back of Miss Valley.
RUSTY WRIGHT RIDES MISS VALLEY FOR 91 POINTS
Wright’s best career finish in the standings is No. 2, a feat he accomplished in 2018. Wright has won a Go-Round at each of the last two NFRs.
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