The 20-year-old San Angelo, Texas cowboy, Dylan Hancock, was No. 11 in the world standings prior to his big win in Mandan with $109,728.42 won.

Hancock turned in a time of 7.9 in the second performance, taking home $14,918 aboard his good horse, Earl. The win moved him to No. 9 in the world standings with $124,646 won, just $1,721 ahead of World Champion Tuf Cooper.

“I didn’t feel safe in the position I was in before Mandan,” said Hancock. “There were five guys also up at Mandan that were only $8,000, $10,000 behind me. If those guys had won good, it would have been different, but they had some tough luck, and I ended up having good luck. It dang sure took the weight off my shoulders.”

After finishing No. 25 in the world standings last year, Hancock was gunning for his first NFR appearance in 2024.

Hancock’s Hot Streak

“I had a pretty good year (last year); I ended up winning Resistol Rookie of the Year,” Hancock said. “I was pretty disappointed, to be honest. It was awesome to win rookie because you only get one shot at that, but my main goal was to make the finals, and I came way short of that goal.”

Being behind the scenes at the 2023 NFR as a helper for Riley Webb lit a fire beneath Hancock to earn his own back number in 2024.

“I told myself that I would never be a helper again and that I would be there next year,” Hancock said. “I got home and went to work on my roping and myself. That has paid off this year for sure.”

Hancock started the 2024 season strong, placing at Hempstead and Lubbock. His early season momentum carried over to the indoor rodeos. He placed in the rounds at Denver, San Angelo and Austin, giving him good momentum going into the spring California run.

But the bulk of Hancock’s $124,646 earned on the season came from the summer run. Hancock won over $72,000 in June and July alone, with over $11,000 coming from The Cheyenne Frontier Days.

Mastering Mental Toughness

After a not-so-picture-perfect ending to his season last year, Hancock learned a lot about mental toughness.

“It’s a lot mentally,” Hancock said. “A guy just has to tell himself that his run is good enough and not try to beat other guys. Just make a run on your calf and see where it gets you.”

Hancock’s mental toughness played a role in the Playoff Series rodeos, landing him in the No. 7 seat and earning him a chance at the $144,444 payout at the 2024 Governor’s Cup in Sioux Falls.

“I’ll be riding Earl at Sioux Falls,” Hancock said. “I’ve been on him at every rodeo this summer except three or four; he’s the main man. I’m easing on over to Sioux Falls and will hang out there all week to get ready for Thursday night.”

World Standings Report

Hancock’s win at Mandan put him in the stress-free zone, but Quade Hiatt, Marcos Costa and Hunter Herrin aren’t out of the dark or off the bubble just yet. With only seven days left in the 2024 season and Sioux Falls promising big payouts, we could see a shift in the tie-down roping world standings.