BY BRETT NIERENGARTEN
Luke Potter finished at the top of the rookie class of tie-down ropers in 2020 with $34,301.
Potter finished 23rd in the world standings, about $12,000 out of an NFR-qualifying spot, but about $10,000 ahead of the next closest rookie year.
Potter first broke though over Cowboy Christmas by finishing second at the Sitting Bull Stampede and sixth at the Oakley City Independence Day Rodeo in July. Then, in August, he says things really started to click for him.
He won more than $3,000 in Baker, Montana in the middle of the month and then won checks of more than $1,000 at five straight rodeos between Aug. 26 and Sept. 5.
“I didn’t really think I would win it until the last week of the rodeo season,” Potter told ProRodeo.com. “I got pretty down on myself this summer and wanted to come home, and my dad said I’d have to get a job or stay out here and keep rodeoing.”
Potter says his horse Boone, who dealt with some health issues this year, was a big part of his success.
“He was awesome for me all year long. It’s kind of funny, he has been passed around a few guys and was a weird fit for them, but he just fits me,” Potter said. “He’s easy, scores good, is really strong in his stop and allows me to win.”