Dan Mortensen is such a big deal in his hometown of Billings, Mont., that the town erected an 18-foot copper statue of him riding a saddle bronc.
Mortensen may not have that much admiration in Tucson, but he's getting close.
The seven-time national champion cowboy scored an 88 and won Sunday's saddle bronc event at La Fiesta de los Vaqueros following a tough round.
Two cowboys scratched before the event, and only two others — Dan Erickson and Rod Hay — posted scores of 80 or more.
Rawley McFarland of Phoenix and Steve Dollarhide of Wikieup both finished with 78s, and Luke Liest of Seligman scored a 74.
Mortensen's feat was more impressive considering the horse he drew. Darth Vader of the Beutler and Son stock company has a reputation for being one of most unpredictable buckers on the Pro Rodeo Cowboy Association tour.
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The horse did its part, bucking and jumping like a champion. Mortensen rode like one, too, and dismounted to the loudest ovation of the day.
"The horse plays a big, important role," he said. "But once you get on one of the good ones, you need to ride well, too. Darth Vader's a good one. I had been on him once before, so I knew what (the ride) was going to be like."
Mortensen's performance Sunday improved his reputation as one of the best riders in the history of rodeo.
But it's his gracious nature that makes him a crowd favorite. Mortensen spent the rest of Sunday signing autographs, posing for pictures and meeting some of the 5,800 fans who came to the first full day of competition.
Tom Davenport, chairman of the Tucson Rodeo committee, watched from a distance with approval.
"He's like an ambassador for rodeo," Davenport said. "He's willing to shake a hand, sign an autograph and talk to somebody anytime.
"Accessible is a good way to put it. He's just a great, great guy."
Unlike in past years, Mortensen will stay in Tucson during the rodeo's weeklong run. He said he plans on enjoying the warm weather after months spent at indoor rodeos and taking time off before Sunday's finals.
Mortsensen also wants to get healthy. He is still recovering from a broken ankle suffered 18 months ago and a back injury that flared up in the final seconds of Sunday's go-round.
"A week off is sure going to help," he said.
Go-rounds
● National Finals Rodeo champion Will Lowe set a Tucson Rodeo Grounds record with a score of 90 in the bareback-riding event. Lowe held the record of 89 points, which he scored in 2004.
● Dustin Elliott and Thomas Bert tied for first in bull riding with 88s. Dewey's Judd Mortensen finished a point behind with an 87.
● Sunday marked the rodeo's inaugural "Tough Enough to Wear Pink" day, with $1 from each admission donated to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Competitors and committee members all wore pink shirts to promote awareness of the disease.
● The rodeo will continue Thursday at the Tucson Rodeo Grounds at 2 p.m. Slack competition starts today at 8 a.m. and will conclude Tuesday afternoon. The annual Mike Cervi Jr. Memorial Team Roping event takes place Wednesday at noon.
Today
● What: Slack competition, 8 a.m. through late afternoon
● Where: Tucson Rodeo Grounds
● Tickets: $5 at the gate, kids under 13 free
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