Sports Illustrated HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETE OF THE MONTH

Presented byTHE U.S. MARINE CORPS

Wyatt Johnson, a junior at Payson High in Utah, is 5'3" and 130 pounds, not counting his ten-gallon hat, but on top of a bucking bronco he rides as tall as any cowboy. Last year, only his second riding bareback, he rallied from last place in the Utah High School Rodeo Association standings to win five of six remaining events and qualify for states, where he won the title. He also finished eighth in bull riding. "Having a good ride is the greatest feeling in the world," Wyatt says. "It's like a championship football game and you win, but it's just you who won." Competing in the adult Rocky Mountain Professional Rodeo Association, he finished third in the 2014 finals. Wyatt also volunteers at rodeos for special-needs kids, who ride replica livestock. "It feels good to express what we do to other people who can't physically do it," he says. "It makes me feel grateful and humble." For more on Wyatt, and to nominate your own candidate, visit SI.com/HSathlete

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ALEXANDRA FENWICK FOR SPORTS ILLUSTRATED (JOHNSON)