2024 PRORODEO Media Guide

RESISTOL ROOKIES OF THE YEAR

After rodeoing on their permit and earning more than $1,000 in PRCA rodeos, rodeo athletes compete the following year as a “rookie.” This is considered their first official year as a professional rodeo athlete, as they are now an official PRCA Contestant Card holder. 2023 was a year to remember for rookies in ProRodeo. Three rookie cowboys made their debut at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo presented by Teton Ridge in 2023.

ALL-AROUND AND TIE-DOWN ROPER OF THE YEAR NAME: Dylan Hancock HOMETOWN: San Angelo, Texas What Does It Mean To Win Rookie Of The Year In Two Events? Dylan: “It was one of my goals this year that I got to mark off my checklist. The guys that I got to compete against this year in the rookie race are all really talented. It was truly a fight to the end and a blast. I wouldn’t have had it any other way.”

TEAM ROPING HEADER OF THE YEAR NAME: Cole Thomas HOMETOWN: Meadville, Mississippi

What does it mean to win Rookie of the Year? Cole: “It’s the only thing we can do once in this sport. You can win multiple rodeos more than once, heck you can even win more than one world championship. But you only have one chance to win this award. Winning Rookie of the Year is something I’ve always wanted to do and now I can say I’ve been blessed enough to do it.”

TEAM ROPING HEELER OF THE YEAR NAME: Kaden Profili HOMETOWN: Jacksonville, Texas

What does it mean to win Rookie of the Year? Kaden: “It means a lot to me if I’m being honest. You only get to be the Rookie of the Year once in your life, so it means a lot to me to see it happen. It took a lot of hard work, a ton of practice, and a lot of miles driving down the road. It’s truly a blessing.”

BAREBACK RIDER OF THE YEAR NAME: Keenan Hayes HOMETOWN: Hayden, Colorado What does it mean to win Rookie of the Year?

Keenan: “I knew it was all going on but I was trying not to think about it much. Just go out do my job for something I’ve worked for my entire life, it’s pretty awesome. I’m not surprised at all (how I did this season), like I said I’m sure blessed that God gave me this ability and that I get to show it to everyone, it’s just an amazing experience that I wanted to get done my whole life.”

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PRCA AWARDS