Long overdue

Bates, Kee step up to win Kayenta titles

KAYENTA
It took about 10 years, knee surgery and a stronger game for Michael Bates to walk away a champion from the Kayenta 4th of July Rodeo.

The Mexican Springs, New Mexico, cowboy — who has a rich history in Indian rodeo — was long overdue for a title from one of the top rodeos during Cowboy Christmas.

Bates said something always got in the way of him taking home a saddle from Western Agency.

“A couple of times I’ve come close; barriers cost me or just not stepping up to the plate,” he said. “This year, I stepped up.”

Bates led the steer wrestling event going into the short go in 7.78 seconds. He took the lead in the short go in 7.04 and won the average in the event with a combined time of 14.82 to win the championship saddle.

He was the last to compete and took the lead away.

Bates said thanks to a shift in his approach in the event, he was able to finish on top.

“Just working on my mental game, not trying to think about it to much,” he said. “Just trying to execute on my run, score good and try to get a flat fall on the steer.”

Bates said he’s participated in the rodeo for the last 10 years, but was never fortunate enough to take home a championship saddle.

He also suffered a set back within the least year after having knee surgery. He had the surgery about nine months ago and is in his third month back in the rodeo arena.

Bates said after numerous attempts and the setback, the win was what he needed.

“I was struggling a little bit and it’s starting to pick back up,” he said. “It’s a good confidence builder. Every year I don’t come through and I just keep coming back every year, and I finally came through this year.”

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