Putting Team in Team Roping, Massive Goals at Cinch Playoff Governor's Cup
![Putting Team in Team Roping, Massive Goals at Cinch Playoff Governor's Cup Putting Team in Team Roping, Massive Goals at Cinch Playoff Governor's Cup](https://www.si.com/.image/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/MjAxMTQxOTAzODQyODc4OTk4/usatsi_18097451.jpg)
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - The pressure is on for the athletes competing in the Cinch Playoffs Governor's Cup. The exclusive event is the last chance to secure a position in top-15 of the world standings, qualifying for the National Finals Rodeo held in Las Vegas in December.
The large payout at the Governor's Cup opens the door to the last chance athletes have to add money towards their standings. Nelson Wyatt is more than safe sitting second in the standings in the heading of the team roping. Wyatt discussed his strategy, and what lies beyond the Governor's Cup.
"It's hard to say there isn't pressure on me because I want do good for him and get him in." said Wyatt.
Wyatt is talking about is his heeler for the Governor's Cup, Ross Ashford, who is currently sitting at No. 23 in the world standings. Doing his job well so Ashford can come in behind with a quick heel shot to stop the clock to potentially move up in the standings.
Ashford is a little less than $11,000 out of qualifying for the NFR. The next few rounds will be the deciding factor on if he is paired with his current partner at the NFR or not. If not, Wyatt will need to find yet another heeler in the top-15 that did qualify.
Wyatt's regular season partner, Chase Tryon, did not get into the Cinch Playoffs, hence why he is roping with Ashford. Proving Wyatt's adaptability throughout this season even when the stakes are high.
"If I get to thinking too hard about the outcome, I tend to mess up. For me I just try to do the best I can and react to the situation." said Wyatt.
This outlook has obviously been working for Wyatt this year, he qualified for the NFR back in 2020, but hasn't earned enough in a single season to make it back.
After focusing too much on the outcome and not the process, improving his mindset impacted his roping as well.
With the NFR less than 10 weeks away, he plans to take a well deserved break after the Governor's Cup. Wyatt will to head to his home state of Alabama to replenish his spirit, and spend time with family.
Life on the road is challenging and draining for all athletes, Wyatt says it's important to slow down just a bit. In preparation for the NFR Wyatt will travel to Stephenville, Texas, where the majority of top competitors live.
"It's a huge blessing because you stay in the mix with the best guys everyday, because iron sharpens iron." said Wyatt.
Surrounding himself with the best of the best keeps Wyatt mentally and physically at the top of his game.
Training with the top ropers is not the only way he prepares, staying in touch and grounded spiritually guides him throughout tough competition, or when things look bleak. Professional rodeo athletes make their living through competition.
It's not just a sport. This is their way of life.
Be sure to watch Wyatt and Ashford in action at the Cinch Playoffs this weekend along with the other qualified team ropers.