For Columbia River Circuit cowboy Traver Johnson, capturing the Resistol Rookie of the Year steer wrestling title marks a prestigious start to his career in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association.
“This title is really special,” Johnson said. “A lot of the legends of the sport have won this, so to follow in their footsteps is pretty cool. You only get one shot at it — it’s a blessing.”
The 2025 Montana State University business management graduate and Eltopia, Washington, native grew up with his sights set on becoming a successful steer wrestler, following in his father’s footsteps at some of the Pacific Northwest’s most iconic rodeos.
“As a kid, I grew up watching my dad. He’s how I got my start in bulldogging and what inspired me to begin,” Johnson wistfully reflected. “I didn’t get to jump my first steer until my senior year of high school. Before that, I mostly roped calves.”
The dream began early, watching his father and many of the sport’s steer wrestling greats compete at the “big four” rodeos of the Northwest: the Horse Heaven Round-Up, Walla Walla Fair & Frontier Days, Lewiston Roundup, and the Pendleton Round-Up.
“Growing up watching the pros at those rodeos, it was pretty special to get to compete there this year,” Johnson said.
Those key circuit rodeos — including a top-10 finish at Pendleton, major paychecks at Spokane, Lewiston, and a win at Walla Walla — shaped his standout 2025 season.
“My goal was to make the short round at two of the three rodeos in Pendleton, Kennewick, and Ellensburg,” he said. “I made the short go in Pendleton and Kennewick, and that gave me a lot of confidence in my consistency.”
Like many rookies, Johnson has learned to adapt to the highs and lows of the rodeo road. His resilience paid off, earning him $51,462 in his first PRCA season and the top rookie steer wrestling honor.
“The biggest thing I learned was to bring your best to every rodeo,” he said. “With so many rodeos in a season, it’s a marathon, not a sprint. I’ve learned not to let things snowball — good or bad.”
Johnson credits much of his success to the support of his family, fellow steer wrestlers and traveling partners Bode Spring and Quentin Wheeler, mentorship from Montana State rodeo coach Kyle Whitaker, and his equine partner, Potter.
“I think my highlight of the whole year was making the short go in Pendleton with my traveling partners Bode and Quentin,” Johnson said. “It was so much fun and a memory I’ll always cherish.”
Johnson’s success was shared with his eight-year-old horse, Potter, who was also in his first year competing at the professional level.
“It was my horse’s first year too,” he said. “He was really green, but we started really clicking midseason. I owe all my success to him.”
After wrapping up his 2025 campaign at the Columbia River Circuit Finals in Redmond, Oregon, Johnson will celebrate his rookie title in Las Vegas during the National Finals Rodeo in December. Next season, he’ll shift his sights toward earning a trip to the 2026 NFR.