PRORODEO Sports News - November 22, 2024

COWBOY GRILLE WITH TANNER BARTH

Jace Helton, 22, had a Permit season to remember in PRORODEO. The Tolar, Texas, team roping heeler earned $78,099 in 2024. His breakout season was highlighted by winning Ogden (Utah) Pioneer Days with partner Shay Dixon Carroll. The duo pocketed $8,241 each at the PRCA Playoff Series rodeo. Helton has his eyes on a Resistol Rookie of the Year title in 2025.

JACE HELTON

How’d you get your start in rodeo? Jace: I didn’t grow up with horses or anything like that until I was like nine or 10. Then we started riding them because of my uncle. I think I went to a Dusty Watkins team roping clinic for my 12th birthday and that was the first time I roped. One thing led to another and now here I am roping as a pro. When did you know you could make a career out of rodeo? Jace: I was a very optimistic kid. So, before I was ever even competing, I said this was something I was going to do. But there was a moment there coming out of high school where I didn’t know if I was going to be able to do it because I was so far behind everybody else my age. I figured if I could get around the right guys to help me that it was something I could make happen. Why did you decide team roping would be your event?

Jace: We went up to a ranch in northern Utah that my uncle was working on when I was younger. The first day we were there they branded a couple hundred head of cattle. I saw them rope and thought it was something I wanted to do. I didn’t even know what team roping was at that point. I just wanted to be able to heel in the branding pen. The rest is history. Did you do any other rodeo events growing up? Jace: I had a brief stint as a calf roper in high school, but it did not go very well. Then I tried it again in college and quickly remembered why I team rope. Why did you decide to get your PRCA card this season? Jace: Buying it this year had kind of been my plan all along. The first year I got my Permit, I was really green in rodeo and knew I needed to make a plan. It took me a couple years to get to this point. But I feel like everything came together for me to go into my (Resistol) Rookie season. What do you hope to learn during your Resistol Rookie season? Jace: You always want to learn and get better when you’re out there. I hope this summer will be like last summer where I’m going to learn a ton. Last year, I learned about taking care of my horses and just how to go up and down the road. I’m hoping this summer will be much of the same. Who’s someone you look up to in the rodeo business right now? Jace: There have been so many people that have helped me so much. I think naturally you look up to the guys that are winning the most. You pay attention to what they’re doing and what horses they’re riding. That’s how you get better. Also, Jason Stewart has helped me a bunch and Shay Dixon Carroll. What’s one rodeo you want to win before your career is over? Jace: Being from California it seems like everyone wants to win Salinas. I’ve wanted to win that one since I was a kid, plus all the big main rodeos

that every cowboy wants to win. Another one I always wanted to cross off my list someday was Ogden, Utah, because my uncle lives close to there and that’s where I got into horses at. We were lucky enough to win it this year. What’s your favorite TV series? Jace: It has to be Outer Banks for sure. What’s your go-to restaurant before or after a rodeo? Jace: If there is a Café Rio nearby, I’m probably stopping to get a barbacoa burrito.

What’s the first vehicle you drove? Jace: I think it was 2001 Ford F-350. Do you have a favorite candy? Jace: I try to stay away from it as much as I can, but sometimes when it’s late I’ll grab some of those Nerds gummy clusters. What do you enjoy doing when you’re not rodeoing? Jace: I really like to golf and love going to the lake when I can. I grew up on the water, so any chance I get I’m out there. What’s your favorite holiday? Jace: I would say probably Christmas. We’ve always had huge family get togethers during Christmas where we get to see everyone. What type of music do you like listening to? Jace: I listen to pretty much everything. I’ve been liking Treaty Oak Revival recently. I like just about every type of music.

ProRodeo Sports News 11/22/2024

ProRodeo.com

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