When doctors forced 2019 Cinch Timed Event Champion Justin Thigpen to draw out of the 2025 installment, five-time NFR steer wrestler Stetson Jorgenson got the call he’s been waiting on for a lifetime.
However, the timing could have been a little smoother.
“I was getting ready to haze a steer and answered and said ‘Hey, can I call you back?’” Jorgenson said. “I got done, called back and it was Dan Wall inviting me to come to the Lazy E for The Ironman.”
Jorgenson, 31, resides in Blackfoot, Idaho, with his wife, Kelli. He just wrapped up his fifth Finals, finishing the season with $218,630 earned. Not only is Jorgenson a full-time steer wrestler with over $870,000 in ProRodeo career earnings, he’s already demonstrated the all-around prowess to succeed in the CTEC games—the steer roping
“I have tied steers from the post, but I’ve never steer tripped before in my life,” Jorgenson said. “That will be an experience and a learning curve. But I roped calves and team roped all through college. I feel like I’m pretty handy with a rope in my hand, but the Timed Event will certainly test that.”
In the team roping, he’s calling on longtime friend Max Kuttler on both ends in the team roping for an assist, while World Champions Haven Meged and Scott Snedecor will provide horsepower and guidance in tie-down roping and steer roping, respectively. He’s got the steer wrestling handled for horsepower, however with the ProRodeo team of Patriotic Dash, “Mabel,” and Lion Down Dixie, “Jasper.”
“I’ll have my team in the bulldogging, “ Jorgenson said. “ Mabel is Garrett Henry from 88 Ranch’s, I’ve used her for the last six years. And I’ll have my haze horse, Jasper up there.”
Although he’s won titles at venues like The Calgary Stampede, the Lazy E will be a relatively new arena for the CTEC rookie, presenting a unique challenge for the otherwise seasoned professional.
“I’ve never made it to the CTEC to watch in person,” Jorgenson said. “I don’t have much experience at the Lazy E really. I’ve been to a WCRA there to compete, and I’ve gone with my wife to some barrel races. I’m really a rookie again, but I’m not worrying about that.”
Despite the uphill climb, Jorgenson’s running on good vibes and careful preparation to carry him to success in Guthrie.
“I’m so excited and grateful for this opportunity,” Jorgenson said. “I’ve waited for this for a while now. I wanted to really get my foundation solid before I stepped into the CTEC world, and I feel like I’ve accomplished that goal, so I’ll be ready.”
Watch the Cinch Timed Event Championship Feb. 27-March 1, 2025 on Roping.com.
