Justus Peterson: Montana Tech’s Rookie Steer Wrestler Takes on Dual Sports Challenge
MISSOULA — In the world of rodeo, nothing is guaranteed, especially for newcomers like Justus Peterson, who is carving out his unique path at Montana Tech. The 22-year-old came to rodeo relatively late, having jumped his first steer only a year ago. With a rich family background in rodeo—his grandpa was a world champion and his father a two-time college national champion—Peterson finally decided to embrace the sport after spending his high school years focused on traditional sports.
A standout athlete at Beaverhead County High School, Peterson excelled in football and track, eventually leading him to Montana Tech, where he’s pursuing a construction management degree and transitioning into welding.
Peterson recently completed his fifth year at Tech. Thanks to the extra COVID eligibility, he’ll extend his college experience into a sixth year, allowing him to balance academics with a burgeoning rodeo career, alongside outdoor track and field competitions. As the sole representative for Tech’s rodeo team, he practices in his family’s arena near Dillon and often collaborates with athletes from Montana Western to share resources and cut costs, highlighting the camaraderie in the rodeo community.
Despite a rocky start, including missing the short go at the University of Montana rodeo, Peterson remains optimistic. “It’s all about having the right horse and positioning yourself,” he said, reflecting on the complexities of steer wrestling.
With plans to compete in pro rodeo events this summer, Peterson views rodeo as an exhilarating journey filled with opportunities for adventure and camaraderie. “It’s about the thrill and the memories made on the road with great people,” he shared. As he gears up for the next rodeo season in the fall, Peterson is eagerly embracing the challenges ahead.
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