PRORODEO Sports News - July 26, 2024

PRORODEO NEWCOMERS

Cowboys juggle college rodeos while also competing in the PRCA Balancing Act Jackie Jensen photo 22-year-old steer wrestler Trace Harris, who recently graduated from Texas A&M University, is competing on his PRCA Permit in 2024.

BY JADE WILLIAMS Special to ProRodeo Sports News P roRodeo can be difficult to navigate for any athlete, but for college rodeo athletes, attempting their dreams while also balancing classes shows another level of commitment to personal growth and the sport of rodeo. Though Trace Harris, Wacey Schalla and Trisyn Kalawaia may come from a variety of schools, events, majors, education levels and backgrounds, all of them have one thing in common – their love for rodeo. Harris is a 22-year-old steer wrestler, who recently graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in agricultural economics with an emphasis in finance and real estate. He also received the John J. Smith Scholarship at the College National Finals Rodeo this year, which is awarded to rodeo athletes wishing to pursue higher education. While working hard to solidify a career in rodeo, he is also pursuing a master’s degree at Texas A&M – Commerce in agricultural sciences, all while college rodeoing and professional rodeoing.

“Balancing the schedule can be tough. When I attended Texas A&M, there was no doubt that it’s a school you have to go to class and attendance is mandatory for many classes; it is so important to focus on time management, keeping grades high, staying fit and staying active; it’s a balancing act for sure, but is worth it every time,” Harris said. “Rodeo is my passion, but I also know it is a short time in your life, you have to have a career after and my parents really encouraged me to pursue a higher education (and get a master’s degree), so I can have that knowledge when I enter the workforce. It’s a leverage that other candidates may not have.” Balancing academics and competing takes plenty of support, which steer wrestler Kalawaia realizes. Kalawaia, 21, is an agricultural business major from Hawaii, who is attending Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Alva. To compete

ProRodeo Sports News 7/26/2024

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