Escalante High School junior Jacob Martinez in action. Courtesy photo

Two-Time World Finals Qualifier bullrider Jacob Martinez. Courtesy photo

BY SAGE FAULKNER

Jacob Martinez, 16, a junior at Escalante High School in Tierra Amarilla, just finished in the top ten 15-16 year-old at Leal’s Bull Riding in Las Vegas, Nev. The son of Tommy and Jessica Casados, Jacob has three young siblings; Eli, Anabelle and Augustus.

Jacob had to travel to rodeos throughout Colorado and New Mexico this summer and fall to qualify for the finals.  He traveled to Florence and Salida, Colorado as well as Los Lunas and Stanley, New Mexico, hoping to collect enough points to qualify for the Las Vegas event.  The region qualified the top three riders and Jacob qualified for the opportunity to ride at the Junior World Finals rodeo.

Jacob says his goals are to “make an impact and be a good role model for those who look up to me, and one day win a world title!”  He is headed in the right direction, as he is already a two-time Junior World Finals Qualifier, IMBA World Finals Qualifier, 2022 Baca Rodeo Northern Series Champion, and the 2022 Baca Rodeo Southern Series Reserve Champion. 

Jacob placed 17th in the world standings last year and finished 10th this year. 

“Overall I had a great time riding and spending time with my family. I couldn’t thank my family and friends enough for all of the support they give me. And most importantly I thank God for all of the opportunities he blesses me with as well as keeping me healthy and safe throughout the rodeo season,” Jacob said.

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To watch Jacob Martinez in action, go to the above link.