Former UTM rodeo member Cody Martin is headed to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR).

The finals will be held in Las Vegas, Dec. 5-14.

Martin attended UTM from 1998-2000. He competed in saddle bronc riding as a member of the UTM rodeo team.

Martin is sitting 10th in world going into the NFR with 2 more qualifying rodeos to use towards his standings.

Martin has won close to $50,000 just this year in the saddle bronc competition.

Martin has been a member of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) since 2000. So far he has earned over $88,000 in his career.

He won the PRCA Rookie of the Year in saddle bronc riding in 2000.

“I’ve always thought Cody was just as talented as anybody competing in rodeo today,” said Johnathan Taylor, former roommate and teammate of Martin. “He’s a tough competitor and he's going to be hard to beat.”

In 2002, Martin won “Heart ‘O Texas Fair & Rodeo” (Waco), and in 2003, he won “Red Bluff Round-Up” (California) and “Angelina County Benefit” (Lufkin, Texas).

Jeremiah Diffee, Martin’s stepbrother is his traveling partner. “I remember when I first started riding broncs, I guess it was in 1992,” said Cody as he chuckles about all the memories they have made over the last eleven years “My stepbrother Jeremiah and I thought it would be fun but never thought about making it this far, that was always one of those far fetched dreams.”

The NFR is the PRCA’s championship event and is considered the world’s premier rodeo. Each December, the top 15 contestants in bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, barrel racing and bull riding qualify to compete at the Wrangler NFR.

“It just clicked one day,” says Martin as he recaptures his talent turning around in his favor. “I had gotten to the point where riding bronc wasn’t fun anymore. Then over night everything just fell into place, and I started riding outstanding. I am really excited about this December and being able to compete against the top 15 guys in the world. Not to mention that I am one of those top 15.”

“I’m very proud of my brother Cody. He really is an incredible saddle bronc rider,” said Diffee. “I may not be able to perform in the Wrangler NFR this year but I will definitely be there cheering him on from the stands.”

Martin is originally from Smackover, Ark. where he graduated third in his class in high school. He is currently residing in Marshall, Mo. where he finished out his college career.