Ali Norcutt, a senior agricultural business student from Fallon, Nevada, was crowned the Resistol Rookie Roundup Breakaway Roping Champion this past weekend in Fort Worth, Texas. Her win moves her to second in the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association Rookie of the year standings.
Norcutt, a member of the Texas Tech Rodeo Team for the past four years, said she was presented with two options when Saturday night arrived. Norcutt said she made it back to the short round at the last Southwest region college rodeo of the year hosted by Tarleton State University, as well as the semi-finals at the rookie roundup.
“I talked to my coaches and they supported my decision to turn out of the short-go and compete at the rookie roundup,” she said.
Posting a 4.3 in the long round and a 3.6 in the semi-finals, Norcutt knew she needed to make a solid run on the calf she drew. Topping the field with a 1.8 second run in the finals, Norcutt was then crowned champion.
“I wasn’t in my head wanting to throw that fast, I just wanted to throw my shot,” she said.
After the rope broke off her saddle horn and her fist bump cut through the air, Norcutt said her main concern was making sure she did not break the barrier.
“I didn’t even see what my time was until I got to the end of the arena,” she said, “I was like ‘Oh my gosh, I was that fast?’ because I wasn't trying to be fast at all.”
Fresh off her win, that excitement also comes with sadness. Norcutt said she hung up her Texas Tech Rodeo vest for the last time this past weekend as well.
“It’s bittersweet,” she said. “I’ve enjoyed everything that the Tech vest has brought.”
As she reflects on her senior year success, she said she credits her coaches, Swayze and Kyle, for helping her keep a positive mentality, along with her family and friends for standing by her side through the tough times.
“They are just super positive,” she said. “Just in practice, making sure we keep our heads up, and reassuring us that having a bad practice doesn’t define who we are as a roper. It's really helped my mental game this semester.”