Reigning All-Around Cowboy, Mason Stueve, Makes His Return to Shawnee

By: Julia Dondero

Sometimes, it’s the extra swing that counts the most. 

That one extra swing to secure a solid run for a major championship. One more rep in the practice pen, or one more video breakdown post-run. It is the extra swing that can make all the difference in the winner’s circle. 

For 19-year-old Mason Stueve, this steadfast idea of consistency couldn’t be more true. It was this rock-solid mentality that took him to the 2023 International Finals Youth Rodeo (IFYR) winner’s circle as the All-Around Cowboy. Competing in the tie-down roping and the team roping, the timed-event hand understood the high-stakes environment the IFYR creates and came prepared with a game plan. 

“Last year in Shawnee was great. It’s a lot of pressure amongst your peers, and it’s an event everyone wants to win. It certainly ranks as one of my favorites” said Stueve. 

Stueve also explained how the high-stakes payout and format of the competition also challenged competitors and allowed him to excel, utilizing his strong fundamentals and mental game. Winning the first round of the calf roping and continuously placing in the team roping allowed Stueve to take home the prestigious title and National Trailer Supply Champion trailer in tow.

“It was very special to win and to have my family there supporting me. The all-around wasn’t on my mind, nor did I know I was even in contention for it until the short go” said Stueve. 

Not only did this win top his extensive resume, but it also provided Stueve with the confidence and finances to take his young career to the next level.“If you can win on that level, it’s financially and confidence-wise a kickstart for your career. The payout greatly impacted me and has allowed me to continue to take my competition to the next level” explained Stueve, who has already taken his roping game to the professional, amateur, and collegiate ranks at Weatherford College. 

Competing in Shawnee also presents competitors with a prestigious opportunity to compete on one of the largest stages in youth rodeo.  “It’s a challenge to stay focused and keep your goals the same throughout the week, it’s a marathon mindset. I had to remind myself to trust my horse, the work we’ve done at home, and focus on catching the steer in front of me.” 

Wise beyond his years, the rising college sophomore explained the power of practicing consistency and how focusing on the fundamentals has allowed him to excel in multiple-go, aggregate competitions.

“My Dad instilled the idea of consistency in my mind and always reminds me to ‘just catch cattle’. When in doubt, you have to focus on catching your steer, even if that means taking an extra swing” explained the Newton, Kansas native, who accredits his parents for always supporting him in, and out of the arena. 

This level of knowledge is no coincidence, Stueve explained, “I’ve been fortunate to hang out around the right people and have really prioritized my mental game.” Accrediting mentors like Coleman Proctor for his knowledge and pride in breaking down the fundamentals. With big goals ahead, Stueve also accredited his large support system, partially his team roping partner, who has been finishing his runs since junior high. 

“Trey Adams and I go way back. We’ve roped together throughout junior high, high school, and now, the collegiate and open levels. We can pretty much finish each other’s sentences now,” the header jokes. 

The special bond between a header and heeler is one of the most important aspects in a successful team roping run– and for the Kansas duo, it was also the deciding factor in Stueve’s all-around win. 

Stueve credited his lifelong friend and partner for securing the all-around win, explaining, ‘After our run, Trey turned to me and said, “I could have roped that one a hop faster, but I wanted to make sure you took home the all-around trailer.”’ This selfless act of foundational roping not only sealed the deal for Stueve but landed the young men from Kansas in the receiving champion spot in the team roping. 

This July, Stueve will enter his final IFYR. A bittersweet conclusion to a prosperous chapter, Stueve looks forward to returning to Shawnee. “My plan hasn’t changed at all. I plan to go out there and ‘just go catch cattle’.”