PRORODEO Sports News - October 4, 2024

COWBOY GRILLE WITH TANNER BARTH

Saddle bronc rider Kyle Wanchuk, 22, is forging his own path in the sport of rodeo. Kyle, the younger brother of three-time National Finals Rodeo qualifier Kolby Wanchuk, just wrapped up his Resistol Rookie season inside the top 50 of the PRCA | RAM World Standings. The Sherwood Park, Alberta, cowboy finished the month of September strong, picking up a pair of checks in Omaha, Neb., and St. George, Utah. He wrapped up the 2024 season second in the race for the Resistol Rookie of the Year title.

KYLE WANCHUK

How’d you get your start in rodeo? Kyle: I really just grew up with it. My dad is a professional rodeo clown, and my mom was a professional barrel racer. By the time I was 2 or 3 my dad had me out there in makeup clowning. I did that until I was about 16. Then I got my driver’s license and amateur rodeoed for three years then I went on to the pros. When did you know you could make a career out of rodeo? Kyle: A big part for me was watching my brother go out and make the NFR. I figured I could do it as well if I kept getting better every time I get on. Then I started having some success this summer. I was 89 points at the Gleichen broncs match and that was my highest score in PRORODEO. So, that gave me a lot of confidence. Why did you decide saddle bronc riding would be your event? Kyle: To be honest with you, I had always just thought I was going to be a roper. As far as the bronc

riding goes, I went down to the states to help my brother drive when I was 17 at some of those big bronc matches and rodeos. I thought it was the coolest thing. I went back to my high school rodeos and helped my buddies get on some horses. I thought you know what I might actually want to do this. So, I went to my first broncs school and went on from there. Did you do any other rodeo events growing up? Kyle: I calf roped through junior high and high school rodeos and into college as well. Then I’ve been team roping since I could walk. Team roping was actually the main reason that I went pro at first. Why did you decide to get your PRCA card this season? Kyle: At the end of the season last year, I placed in like eight out of the last 10 rodeos I went to in the bronc riding. It seemed like it wasn’t so hard and wasn’t so bad. Also, I’m not getting any younger, so I thought I might as well go try for it. What have you learned during your Resistol Rookie season? Kyle: I learned that you need sponsors whether you’re winning or not because it starts to get expensive on the road. You also have to stay humble with the sport. You are getting on bucking horses and you’re not going to win every time. Who’s someone you look up to in the rodeo business right now?

Kyle: I for sure look up to my older brother Kolby. Every time I have a serious question about rodeo he has an answer for me. I look up to Zeke (Thurston) as well of course. Mel Hyland is another guy that has helped me out too. Him and I will talk on the phone every once in a while and talk about bronc riding and training colts. He’s a huge supporter of mine. What’s one rodeo you want to win before your career is over? Kyle: I would really like to win an event at the Ponoka Stampede. Winning the bronc match in Pollockville (Alberta) would really be cool as well. What’s your favorite movie? Kyle: Step Brothers is a pretty great movie. What’s your go-to restaurant before or after a rodeo? Kyle: My traveling partner and I went to Olive Garden a lot this year. What’s the first vehicle you drove? Kyle: I had a 1999 Chevy Monte Carlo. I had it for about four months before I blew the engine out on it. Do you have a favorite candy? Kyle: I really like those Livewire candy ropes. You can’t always find them, but they are good. What do you enjoy doing when you’re not rodeoing? Kyle: I enjoy training colts and hunting quite a bit. What’s your favorite holiday? Kyle: It would probably have to be Christmas because you get to see the whole family every year, it’s awesome. What type of music do you like listening to? Kyle: I like to listen to just about everything. I like old country, new country and some rap.

ProRodeo Sports News 10/4/2024

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