YORKTON - Nick Tetz apparently likes Lethbridge when it comes to a venue for riding bulls.
All Tetz did was top the elite Cup Series event presented by Wrangler, inside the ENMAX Centre recently.
“It feels really good to get a win early in the year,” Tetz told Yorkton This Week in a recent interview, adding a good start is a great way “to get yourself going” for the long season ahead. “. . . You can manage the season a little better.”
Tetz delivered a perfect 3-for-3 effort at the event to defend his PBR South Country Co-op Showdown.
Having won both Cup Series events in Lethbridge in 2022, Tetz started hot in Lethbridge again this year winning Round 1 of the event with an 86.5-point ride atop Sure Shot (Skori Bucking Bulls).
In Round 2, he continued the role covering Tractorlands Freakshow (Wild Hoggs Bucking Bulls) for 83.5 points.
With the first pick in the championship round bull draft, Tetz renewed his rivalry with Sure Shot from Round 1, and he replicated his earlier success with an 86 point ride to clinch the victory.
Tetz credited the bulls for his good showing.
“I ended up drawing good bulls and it worked out for me,” he said.
With the win Tetz jumped to No. 2 in the national standings, moving within a mere eight points of the top spot as he chases his second consecutive PBR Canada Championship.
Tetz said the Lethbridge event is one where he simply feels “super comfortable.” He said being relatively close to home – about two hours from where he grew up -- he’s “made friends there,” and that helps make it a good place to ride thanks to familiar faces in the stands.
The good start really builds on a great end to 2022 for Tetz.
It was in November Tetz claimed his first Canadian crown delivering a come-from-behind push at the PBR Canada National Finals in Edmonton.
Tetz began the fourth PBR Canada National Finals of his career ranked No. 2 in the nation, 21 points behind then No. 1 Dakota Buttar (Eatonia, Saskatchewan)
Tetz actually bucked off in the first round of the finals, sent to the dirt by Look Alive in 5.19 seconds.
However, Tetz rebounded quickly. He won Round 2 when he topped Langham Kid for 88 points.
In the final round Tetz reached the whistle marking 88 points, on Brand New Guitar, which proved enough for the win.
While Tetz said the championship was big he’s not dwelling on the success, or feeling pressure to repeat either.
“There’s a bit of pressure but not too much,” he said. “It’s something I accomplished, but it’s a new year. The PBR has moved on from it, so I don’t feel like there’s any pressure on me.”
There is however confidence that comes from the championship Tetz said he hopes to draw on in 2023.
“When you look back at it I was able to accomplish it. It gives me confidence.”
Tetz said it all goes back to working hard between events.
“It all comes from the work I do during the week before the riding,” he said.
That work includes riding the practice barrels, occasionally reviewing film on bulls, and seeking out advice from other riders about the tendencies of certain bovine opponents.
Adding a little frosting to his Canadian crown Tetz, along with Brock Radford, competed at the 2022 PBR (Professional Bull Riders) Australia Grand Finals, both delivering Top 10 finishes inside the Townsville Entertainment and Convention Centre.
Competing as part of the transcontinental rider exchange which also afforded the opportunity for two Australians to ride at the 2022 PBR Canada National Finals Tetz tied for eighth.
Fresh off winning the 2022 PBR Canada Championship, Tetz continued his red-hot momentum in Round 1 of the year-end event Down Under.
Tetz conquered Cover Up (Colin Fry) for 85 points, but was unable to make the eight seconds in his subsequent trips.
