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From running back to bareback |
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Monday, 17 December 2007 |
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 Photo courtesy prorodeo.com
Mullen cowboy Steven Dent competed in the recently concluded National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, Nev., where he finished 15th overall in bareback riding.
By ARON HOLLAND
Sports Editor
When most people in Custer County think of Steven Dent, they think of football. They recollect hearing about the kid at Mullen High who was running through defenses like a comedian runs through punchlines. They remember hearing about Dent setting rushing records, including his record 1,233 yards and 22 touchdown performance in the 2003 8-man playoffs. Those records still stand.
However, there is an athletic side to Steven Dent some people may not know about. That is his unquestionable talent in the sport of rodeo.
Dent, now 21, is making a splash nationally as part of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. Steven competes in the bareback and saddle bronc riding events. He is currently ranked ninth in the overall cowboy standings, according to prorodeo.com.
Dent overcame a nasty encounter while he was in high school. A bull he was riding had jerked him down and connected with Steven’s face. As a result, Steven’s cheekbones were completely shattered. His jaw was broken in 11 places, and his mouth wired shut. Steven was life-flighted to Denver, where he stayed four days and had a major reconstructive surgery. He had qualified for nationals, but could not attend because his mouth was wired shut. Despite the devestating encounter, Dent never slowed down.
Steven attended Ranger College in Texas after graduation, where he was part of the rodeo team. Dent lead his team to the College National Championship in 2006, and was named the nation’s top overall cowboy. He then left school to pursue a full-time career in rodeo.
Dent joined the PRCA in 2006, and has already built himself quite a resume, despite his small frame at 5-9 and 170 pounds. Steven won his first professional all-around and bareback buckles at the Moses Lake Roundup in Washington in 2006. He also won the Dodge Texas Circuit all-around title at the Circuit finals later that same year. As a result, Dent was named the 2006 PRCA Rookie of the Year. Dent finished the season 22nd in the World Standings.
Dent prefers the saddle bronc event, but usually scores more consistently in bareback. He was a member of his high school football team, wrestling team, track team, and, of course, rodeo team.
Steven’s favorite food is anything that his mother cooks. His favorite movies include Lonesome Dove and Cinderella Man.
In spite of his small stature, and the fact that he’s excelling in arguably the world’s toughest sport, Steven Dent has endured. He has fought on, and often times, wins that fight. He has silenced the doubters, and has truly become the new era’s “Cinderella Man.”
Steven is the son of Erin and Steve Dent, who still reside in Mullen. Steven was born on April 23, 1986 in North Platte.
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 27 December 2007 )
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