PRORODEO Sports News | Roy Cooper 1955-2025 | May 2, 2025

RESISTOL ROOKIE ROUNDUP

GAVIN FRENCH MAKES HIS MARK AT RESISTOL ROOKIE ROUNDUP

By Kensie Darst-Todd

Gavin Franch made his mark in Fort Worth, Texas, April 25-26, winning all three rounds of bareback riding at the Resistol Rookie Roundup. PRCA Photo by Kay Miller

G avin French, a 22-year-old cowboy from Col lege Station, Texas, proved he's a name to watch after dominating the 2025 Resistol Rookie Roundup presented by The Cowboy Channel rid ing his way to the bareback championship with three standout performances in Fort Worth. The Texas A&M senior, set to graduate in May, approached the event knowing the level of com petition would be fierce. "I knew this was a really tough rookie class," French said. "All these guys ride so good - they

attack and are aggressive. I knew it was going to take more than just a good ride to set myself apart." French opened strong, marking an 80-point ride aboard Pete Carr Pro Rodeo's Air Mail in the first round. His momentum grew in the semifinals, where he matched up with Pink Smoke for an 87-point ride - the highest score of his PRORO DEO career to date. "That was an awesome horse," French said. "You've got to be aggressive and not make a

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