PRORODEO Sports News - July 26, 2024

at a high level in college, Kalawaia also needs a strong hazer. “This past winter was a little tricky, but I had a consistent hazing partner for San Antonio and Houston and at college rodeos and another member from my school would always haze for me, which always lightened the load and made competing easier,” he said. However, all the hard work is worth it for Kalawaia. “Rodeoing for a college team is what led me to move from Hawaii to Oklahoma, and I didn’t really know what I was getting myself into, there aren’t a lot of opportunities like this back home,” Kalawaia said. “The education is important, as much as I love it (rodeo), I know I can’t rodeo forever. I know that this education and being able to rodeo is going to set me up for my future and I’m grateful for every person who has helped me get to this point.” With his college year completed, Kalawaia has ramped up his ProRodeo schedule and is inside the top 30 in the PRCA | RAM World Standings. Harris said his Texas A&M Commerce coach Dameon White and his travel partners keep him afloat. “My coach Dameon has been amazing and has helped me with every step of the process from getting applied and accepted to registering for the proper classes while I am on the road rodeoing,” Harris said. “I have a tight-knit group that I travel with and have similar interests, which makes traveling to compete that much easier knowing I have that support system as well as my family at home.” Schalla also has had a great run during his Resistol Rookie campaign in the PRCA. He is lurking near the Top 15 in the world standings in bull riding with several wins and in bareback riding he’s right around the top 40. “Bret (Franks, the Clarendon College rodeo coach) has been to the NFR in saddle bronc riding (1997, 1998 and 2000) and he definitely helps out on what rodeos will work with my class schedule,” Schalla said. Though that’s not the only person that keeps him on track. “I have been traveling with a buddy that helps me with organization and planning rodeos, having people like that in my corner has made all the difference,” said Schalla, 18, who won the 2024 College National Finals Rodeo bull riding and all around national championships. Schalla is proud of the success he has had at the college and pro level. “It worked out because I graduated high school a year early so the first half of my rodeo season was much easier to plan, then when I started my education during the second half it took some planning, but it all balanced out pretty well,” he said. “I am focusing on bull riding and my education, someday I hope it pays off and to qualify for the NFR.” All of these athletes show promising futures in the ProRodeo realm and there is no doubt that each of these cowboys truly embody the spirit of grit and what it truly means to be a rodeo athlete.

Jackie Jensen photo Steer wrestler Trisyn Kalawaia, seen competing at the CNFR, is 23rd in the PRCA | RAM World Standings with $41,468 as of July 25.

Jackie Jensen photo Resistol Rookie cowboy Wacey Schalla claimed the college national championship in bull riding and the all-around in Casper, Wyo.

ProRodeo Sports News 7/26/2024

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