ProRodeo Sports News June 14th, 2019

COWBOY GRILLE WITH AMBER BAILLIE

Why did you purchase your contestant card? Cooper: I was almost done with college and had filled my permit. I have good horses now and figured 2019 was a good year to start and try to win rookie of the year. How are you feeling about the season? Cooper: It started out pretty rough, I’m hoping it turns around. I haven’t been doing my job like I should. I’ve drawn some bad calves and some decent ones that I didn’t capitalize on. How did you get involved in rodeo? Cooper: Everyone in my family has rodeoed. Ever since I was little, I wanted to be involved in it. I feel like it’s a good sport for everyone to be a part of. You get to travel, meet a lot of people and have to work at it. I wouldn’t be where I’m at today if it wasn’t for Karen Herbst (owner and operator of the Cinderella Ranch and Arena in Whitesboro, Texas, who leases roping horses to cowboys). How did you earn a college rodeo scholarship? After graduating from Hill College in Hillsboro, Texas, this year, tie-down roper Cooper Mathews plans to make the most of his rookie year, hitting the summer run hard with traveling partner Ryan Thibodeaux. As of June 13, Mathews was seventh in the PRCA | Resistol Rookie Standings with $7,109. The 20-year-old from Cleburne, Texas, qualified for RFD-TV’s The American when he was 17 and won the first rodeo he competed at after buying his PRCA card in September 2018.

COOPER MATHEWS

Cooper: I grew up in Cleburne, which is about 20 minutes from Hillsboro. I was introduced to the rodeo coach there through mutual friends like Marty Yates and Cory Solomon. The coach had always wanted me to rodeo for him, and I finally got the opportunity. What did you study? Cooper: Agricultural business. I graduated on May 9. I want to keep rodeoing as much as possible and hopefully end up in the Top 15 and win a gold buckle someday. What rodeo achievement have you been most proud of? Cooper: In 2017, when I qualified for RFD-TV’s The American (he placed fifth in tie-down roping). With it being such a big rodeo and payout, it made me feel really good. They only take the best guys, and for as young as I was, it made me feel like this is really what I need to be doing…pursuing a career in rodeo. What’s your next goal? Cooper: To improve and work on stuff I need to get better at as far as keeping my composure, taking one calf at a time and not getting ahead of myself. My ultimate goal would be to get on a heater and make it to the National Finals Rodeo. Now, I’m focused on continuing to rope, taking one step at a time and trying to do the best that I can. What PRCA rodeo have you won the most money at? Cooper: At the RAM Texas Circuit Finals Rodeo, I won over $3,500. I’ve been saving my money and plan to enter in a lot of rodeos this summer. Who inspires you?

Cooper: Growing up, my rodeo idols were Joe Beaver and Roy Cooper. As I’ve gotten older, I look up to Clint Cooper and Marty Yates as competitors, how they approach different situations, and as everyday people, how they treat others. They’re good guys to be around. How do you prepare for competition? Cooper: I practice at my house. We have an arena, and I work on things I’m having trouble with to get better. I’ll rope with my dad, and when he’s not around I’ll practice with Clint Cooper or Ryan Thibodeaux. Every run is a challenge, it’s just you against the calf. What are your hobbies outside of rodeo?

Cooper: Pretty much everything outdoors like hunting and fishing. Sometimes I attempt to play golf even though I’m not very good at it. What are three things you can’t live without?

Cooper: My family, rodeo and cell phone. Do you have a favorite saying or quote? Cooper: Sprinkle some ándale on it. Clint Cooper says that, and it’s stuck with me. I like that it means to hustle up, don’t drag your feet and just get it done. What’s your favorite snack? Cooper: Cool Ranch Doritos and Sour Patch Kids. What’s your favorite thing to spend money on? Cooper: Probably shoes, I have all kinds of tennis shoes. I like to have a lot of options. What’s something about you that might surprise people? Cooper: I’m a bit of a neat freak. I like to keep my stuff clean and organized.

ProRodeo Sports News 6/14/2019

ProRodeo.com

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