by NEW YORK CITY – Ahead of PBR’s (Professional Bull Riders) 2019 WinStar World Casino and Resort Global Cup USA, the two remaining open roster spots for the all Native American Team USA-Wolves have been filled.
Team USA-Wolves Coach Wiley Petersen (Fort Hall, Idaho; Shoshone Bannock) completed his contingent with ColtenJesse (Konawa, Oklahoma; Potawatomi) and alternate Dakota Louis (Browning, Montana; Northern Cheyenne and Black Feet).
Petersen’s team also includes: Ryan Dirteater (Hulbert, Oklahoma; Cherokee), Stetson Lawrence (Williston, North Dakota; Chippewa and Sioux), Keyshawn Whitehorse (McCracken Springs, Utah; Navajo), Cody Jesus (Window Rock, Arizona; Navajo), Cannon Cravens (Porum Oklahoma; Cherokee) and Justin Granger (Tuba City, Arizona; Navajo).
A reflection of the event’s evolving format, whereby the host nation will field two teams of seven, as opposed to a roster of 14 athletes, the Team USA-Wolves squad is poised to make modern sports history as the first all-Native American team competing at a major league sporting event
Jesse joins the Wolves contingent after finishing second in the 2018 PBR Rookie of the Year Race.
He made his elite tour debut in February in Kansas City, the weekend after winning the Velocity Tour event in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Two weeks later, the 21-year-old finished tenth at the PBR Iron Cowboy, the first Major of his career. When the elite tour returned from its annual summer break, the Oklahoman finished third at the Music City Knockout, the fourth and final PBR Major of the season, propelling him from No. 35 to No. 17 in the world standings.
A staple on the elite tour for the remainder of the season, Jesse competed in the first 15/15 Bucking Battle of his career in September in Fairfax, Virginia. He finished the 2018 season ranked No. 22 in the world.
Louis began competing with the PBR in 2011 and has since made five appearances on the premier series, including two trips to PBR Majors.
In 2018, his best finish came in April at the TPD event in Prescott Valley, Arizona where he was second.
