Gavin Knutson, a bull rider from Montana Western and a native of Polson, has seen rapid progression in his career.
Over the past six years since he started riding bulls, Knutson’s journey has been dynamic. His recent draft by the Nashville Stampede in the Professional Bull Riders Teams New Rider Draft as the 23rd overall pick marked a significant milestone in his career.
Upon learning about his selection, Knutson was taken aback when he saw Montana native and PBR legend Flint Rasmussen announce his name.
“(Western head coach) JT (Robbins) showed me a video of Flint Rasmussen saying my name, and I was completely shocked. I didn’t know how to react,” he shared.
“It was incredibly exciting, but it also signaled the start of a serious focus on bull riding.”
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Rodeo was initially a weekend hobby for Knutson before his freshman year of high school. However, the moment he rode a bull for the first time, his perspective changed.
Having graduated from Ignite Christian Academy in 2022, Knutson was a three-time Montana High School Rodeo Association state qualifier and the 2022 state champion tie-down roper. He also made two appearances at the National High School Rodeo Association finals.
Across his two collegiate seasons, Knutson clinched the Big Sky Region bull riding title both years. He excelled as an all-around cowboy at Western, participating in tie-down roping, team roping, and securing sixth place in the Big Sky’s men’s all-around standings.
The dedication he has shown over the years has yielded results. While still in his sophomore year, bull riding has transformed from a hobby to a potential full-time career for Knutson.
“Previously, rodeo was just a fun hobby for me, but now I can pursue it as a career. This change in perspective has been significant,” Knutson explained.
Following his draft on May 29, Knutson has been training with his new teammates and coaches in Decatur, Texas.
“It was super exciting, but at the same time I knew that it was time to get to work and start being serious about bull riding.”
Gavin Knutson, reflecting on his selection in the Professional Bull Riders Teams New Rider Draft
Prior to his debut with the Stampede, Knutson has his sights set on continuing his academic and athletic pursuits at Western. He has already committed to competing in college rodeo weekends.
But before his PBR journey begins in earnest, Knutson has unfinished business at Western this season.
He will be heading from Decatur to Casper, Wyoming for the College National Finals Rodeo, where he will join the Bulldogs’ men’s team. Western has eight cowboy qualifiers and one cowgirl qualifier for the CNFR happening from June 9-15.
This marks the second consecutive season of qualification for the men’s team, and Knutson believes that their experience from last year in Casper will be invaluable. He enters the CNFR as the fifth-ranked bull rider in the nation.
“Having been there before and understanding the setup, I feel more comfortable going into this year. I think the entire men’s team shares this sentiment,” Knutson expressed.
With the CNFR and the upcoming PBR season on the horizon, Knutson’s whirlwind journey is far from over.
Fortunately, his love for the sport sustains him through any challenges. What started as a pastime for Knutson has become a way of life.
After six years of riding bulls, Knutson wouldn’t trade it for anything else.
“I never have a bad day at the ‘office.’ I get to do what I love every day, and everything revolves around it,” he concluded.
Gavin Derkatch is a sports reporter for the Montana Standard. Follow him on Twitter @Gderkatch or email him at gavin.derkatch@406mtsports.com
