Professional steer wrestler Gus Franzen of Kearney is building momentum as he works toward his goal of finishing the season among the top 30 in the PRCA standings.
Franzen recently picked up a steer wrestling win at the Burwell rodeo, giving him a strong result at one of Nebraska’s biggest rodeos. He has continued to compete across the country, including rodeos in Utah, Idaho and Montana.
He also earned a win in Cascade, Montana, and said he is focused on carrying that momentum through the final weeks of the season.
“Just trying to keep the ball rolling these next few weeks,” Franzen said.
Franzen travels with three other professional rodeo athletes, including NFR qualifiers Gavin Soileau and Rowdy Parrott and former world champion Ty Erickson. He said the experience of his traveling partners has provided valuable support as he competes on the road.
“They’ve been really good to me,” Franzen said. “Ty Erickson, he’s been around the block. He’s a veteran and he really knows the game.”
Franzen began his rodeo career competing in multiple events, including roping and steer wrestling. Having grown up wrestling, he was drawn to the physicality of steer wrestling and the one-on-one nature of the event.
After finding success in high school, Franzen moved to Oklahoma to attend Southeastern Oklahoma State University and continue developing his skills around other steer wrestlers.
While competition is physically demanding, Franzen said the mental side of the event is just as important. Before a run, he focuses on a few key points but tries to clear his mind once he enters the arena.
“The more you try and control, probably the worse things are going to go,” Franzen said. “You just got to trust your ability and let the body take over.”
Practice opportunities become more limited during the rodeo season as athletes spend much of their time traveling. Franzen said winter is typically the busiest practice period, when he can get more repetitions wrestling steers.
On the road, he focuses on staying healthy and maintaining his mental game. He said he has also become more conscious of his diet and fitness as he continues his professional career.
For young athletes interested in steer wrestling, Franzen recommends finding an experienced mentor. He credits Bill Manning with helping him early in his career and said moving to Oklahoma allowed him to learn from more experienced competitors.
“Find a mentor and somebody that’s been there and done that,” Franzen said. “Experience is really everything.”
With roughly 20 to 25 rodeos remaining on his schedule, Franzen is focused on finishing the season strong. His goal is to place in the top 30, which would qualify him for major winter rodeos such as Houston, Fort Worth and San Antonio.
“Just trying to set myself up for next year, get qualified for those big buildings and then try and hit the ground running next season,” Franzen said.