CORTEZ – While the Wright's dominated the leaderboard, perhaps the evening's most meaningful moment occurred after the final event, when a young cowboy waited patiently in a long line of fans hoping to meet his heroes.
Brax (Jihun) Kim, a foreign exchange student from South Korea living in Mancos, represents everything that makes rodeo special – the power of the sport to inspire dreams regardless of background or borders.
Kim discovered rodeo after arriving in the United States and was immediately captivated by the sport's combination of athleticism, tradition, and heart. In 2024, he picked up saddle bronc riding and quickly showed natural talent that stunned his coaches and competitors alike.
“When I first saw saddle bronc riding, I knew I had to try it,” Kim said, clutching the saddle he brought for the Wright family to sign. “The Wright family shows what's possible when you dedicate yourself completely to something you love.”
Kim's rodeo journey reads like something from a Hollywood script. After spending Friday evening volunteering for the rodeo committee – demonstrating the work ethic and community spirit that defines rodeo culture – he joined the line of fans hoping for a moment with his heroes.
But Kim's story goes far beyond being a fan. In his first year of competition, the young man achieved what many American cowboys spend years trying to accomplish: qualifying for the National High School Rodeo Finals.
As Kim approached the Wright family with his saddle in hand, the moment embodied everything the sport represents. The family took time to sign his saddle, share encouragement, and welcome him into the rodeo community that stretches far beyond American borders.
“Every time I get on a bronc, I'll look at these signatures and remember to ride the Wright way,” said Kim.
“They've shown me that with hard work and dedication, any dream is possible.”
With Wright's record-tying performance setting the tone, Saturday's championship finale promises to deliver the drama and excitement that has made the Ute Mountain Roundup a premier destination for both competitors and fans.
The final performance begins at 7 p.m. on Saturday, June 14 at the Montezuma County Fairgrounds, with championship titles and prize money on the line across all events.
