Tuckness Achieves Dream

Those of us who grew up athletes of sorts might have dreamt that one day we’d knock in the winner at the World Series or score the go-ahead goal in the Stanley Cup finals but a very select few actually suit up to play professional sports. Dusty Tuckness of tiny Meeteetse, Wyoming wears a special kind of uniform – baggy cutoff overalls held up by suspenders and adorned with long kerchiefs hanging from the sides, a brightly-colored western shirt, cowboy hat and clown makeup painted on his face. He is a professional rodeo bullfighter. Only certified in the pro ranks since 2006, the young Wyoming talent has ascended the ranks quickly to reach the pinnacle achievement by attaining a slot in the arena for the 2009 Wrangler National Finals in Las Vegas (WNFR). “I’m speechless. This is amazing, a dream come true,” Tuckness said.

A final round of voting last week by pro bull riders currently making up the top twenty in the world standings confirmed Tuckness’ position and he is honored. “It’s a great feeling to know the top twenty riders would like to see me at the world series of rodeo,” he responded.

Tuckness, whose father Timber has been a professional bullfighter since 1993, grew up in rodeo and spent many hours watching national finals tapes with his dad. “I feel like I’ve accomplished something I had as a goal when I was a kid and I’m just looking forward to it,” he said.

The Meeteetse cowboy kept bull riders from harm at several big rodeos during the 2009 regular season including the shows in Houston and Fort Worth, the Dodge National Circuit Finals in Pocatello and the Xtreme Bulls events in Cody, WY. Tuckness and close friend Kanin Asay from Powell staged a special bull riding and fighting event in Cody this summer as well.

Asay and two other Wyoming bull riders – Bobby Welsh of Gillette and Clayton Savage from Casper – will be competing at the national finals in Las Vegas. “It’s cool to be around those guys. They knew early on they’d made the finals and encouraged me to stay positive that I’d be there with them,” Tuckness said. He was an alternate selection for last years’ WNFR.
Dusty Tuckness is a Christian-athlete and often leads bible study groups at rodeos around the West. He is also sponsored by Wyoming Travel & Tourism. “Dusty impressed me from the very beginning and we were anxious to have him join our team,” said Diane Shober, state tourism director.

When it’s time for bull riding in the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas for the first go-round at the national finals December 3, one Wyoming bullfighter plans to be ready. “When I walk into that arena I’ll just be in awe that I am there,” Tuckness said. “If anything I’ll be a little nervous and certainly excited thinking this is my shot. The hard work’s over and now I’m just going to fight bulls."