By Magie Downares-Nevius
Thomas Uttermark is going on a full year with the CePRA and his name is one to see as the 24-year-old cowboy has climbed to the top five of the steer wrestling standings. “The CePRA has great stock and it is just as competitive as the PRCA. I’m really looking forward to making runs at them,“ Thomas said. Competing last season, Thomas says that he struggled a little bit within the arena. “I had just moved from Minn., and I was still adjusting to life, but am out to make the CePRA Finals and win the finals title this year. Eventually, I would like to go on to win the year-end,” he said. Nonetheless, the newcomer still managed to qualify for his first finals and place in the second-go round of the 2014 CePRA finals.
Through his older brother (Matt), Thomas started in the event at 20 years old. His interest initiated by going and watching, which later led to him throwing a few steers. “Once I began getting off of his horse, I just loved it. There is nothing like jumping off of a horse going 35 miles per hour and throwing a 500 pound steer,” Thomas said. Geared and ready to go, the Uttermark brothers will expand their competition to the PRCA Prairie Circuit in hopes of making the finals. “Matt is my hazer and my unsung hero. Steer wrestling really takes five minds coming together to make a winning run and Matt makes things happen for me, and when it happens, it‘s awesome. If everything goes like it‘s supposed to, steer wrestling looks easier than it really is,” he said.
Due to the expansion of the company that Thomas works for, he and Matt have joined the Kans., residency, where they live in Hastings together. Making his living as a rotational molder and supervisor in GBL Poly, Thomas deals in resin solubility outside of the arena.
The bachelor brothers will hit the road together and while goals urge their competition forward, their sights are set on making the NFR. “We have bigger fish to fry and with us two together, with no families at this point, it allows us to keep going as we please,” Thomas said.
