story by Riata Cummings
Santaquin, Utah, is home to a bull rider by the name of Preston Laforett. In sixth grade, Preston’s friends led him into the world of rodeo. It wasn’t long before he got on his first bull. It was in Spanish Fork at a winter series rodeo when Preston tightened his rope around Vegas Lights. Scared and unsure, he slid up over his hand and told the chute help to let him buck. He knew as soon as he got off that he wanted to get on another, and the adrenaline junky has been riding bulls ever since.
Preston is fifteen-years-old, and will be a tenth grader at Payson High School. He is the only member of his family who rodeos. He has two older sisters, Alexis and Brylie, and their parents are Emily and Tony Laforett. Together they enjoy spending time together camping or riding jet skis at the lake.
Preston enjoys rodeo because while he is meeting so many new people, he has the opportunity to learn from those around him and teach those wanting to learn. Rodeo is different from other sports, as the individual nature makes all rodeo competitors work hard for success. It provides an opportunity for adrenaline rush and many miles of travel. It also promotes friendship and new people can be met at every rodeo. Rodeo has taught Preston to keep pushing, even when things get tough. He lives by the saying, “You may see me struggle, but you’ll never see me quit”. Like all rodeo athletes, Preston has experienced hard days, and knowing how to pick himself up is a skill he will use in and out of the arena.
He practices every chance he gets, and this year he is practicing with a purpose. He will be competing for a spot at the National Little Britches Finals in Guthrie, Oklahoma. Preston recently won the mini bull riding at the Days of ‘47 Rodeo in Salt Lake City. It was a once in a lifetime experience for Preston and he is grateful for the opportunity he got to compete there.
Preston hopes to be known as a selfless and caring person. He wants to dedicate himself to helping those around him while he works hard for the things he wants. Preston thrives on adrenaline and couldn’t live without rodeo.
