It’s difficult to pinpoint the moment Rocker Steiner made an impact in professional rodeo.
Was it when he won titles in Odessa, Texas, or Denver? Was it when he set a new world record with a 95-point ride on C5 Rodeo’s Virgil to win the Riggin Rally in Darby, Montana? Was it when he won the Calgary Stampede?
Or was it when he finished his first ProRodeo regular season fifth in the world standings to earn his first berth to the National Finals Rodeo?
No matter the instance, all of Steiner’s success resulted in winning the bareback riding Resistol Rookie of the Year award, one of the most prestigious honors in the sport.
“It makes me feel good that I got to do this and make the finals,” said Steiner, 18, of Weatherford, Texas. “I was never just going after the Rookie of the Year. It’s a title I definitely wanted, but it wasn’t my only focus.
“I was focused on making the NFR, and I figured that if I could do that, then I’d win the rookie title. It’s a dual accomplishment.”