ProRodeo Sports News - April 29, 2022

COWBOY GRILLE WITH TANNER BARTH

Steer wrestler Kyler Dick waited longer than most to begin his ProRodeo career. Now, at 23, the Oakley City, Utah, cowboy is trying to make his mark during his rookie season. He is currently sitting third in the running for the Resistol Rookie of the Year honor. Earlier this season, he finished second at the RAM Wilderness Circuit Finals Rodeo in Heber City, Utah. He’s earned over $6,000 during his rookie campaign.

How’d you get your start in rodeo? Kyler: I grew up rodeoing with my dad, he college rodeoed and eventually competed in ProRodeo. I was always around my dad when he was going to roping events and then seeing old pictures of my uncle and my dad rodeoing together. I always wanted to do the exact same thing. When did you know you could make a career out of rodeo?

KYLER DICK

Kyler: It was probably when I was in junior high honestly. We were at the podium getting our awards for junior high nationals. I was the smallest kid there, but I was at the top of the podium. That’s when I realized it didn’t matter how big you were if you had the try and work ethic. That’s when I decided I wanted to take it seriously. Why did you decide steer wrestling would be your event? Kyler: I never really liked tie-down roping, which is what I tried first. I thought it was more adrenaline to jump off a horse face first at a pair of horns instead. That’s why steer wrestling stuck with me. Did you do any other rodeo events growing up? Kyler: My dad wanted me to tie-down rope and I tried it. It wasn’t for me though. I team rope still to this day, I love team roping. I just don’t do it at the ProRodeos. What’s one rodeo you want to win in your career? Kyler: As hard as it is to say I’d like to win them all, but I know that’s a little far-fetched. Pendleton (Ore.) has always been a huge goal of mine. I’d also like to win my hometown rodeo in Oakley City (Utah). Why did you decide to get your PRCA card this season?

Kyler: My dad made me a deal a long time ago that he wanted me to wait until I graduated college to get my rookie card and go pro. I fought him on it for a long time, but I’m really glad to say it was the best decision of my life. It let me go and get a degree at Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas, in communications. Who is someone you look up to in the rodeo business right now? Kyler: I have always looked up to Tyler Waguespack. The guy’s technique is just unmatched in our sport. I try to talk to him as much as I can about rodeoing. What are your goals for the rest of the season? Kyler: My goal for the rest of this ProRodeo season is to win a $1,000 at every rodeo that I go to. What your favorite TV show? Kyler: My favorite is probably Peaky Blinders . There are a lot of things to like about that show. What’s your go to meal before or after a rodeo? Kyler: Chick-fil-A is definitely my go to. You have to get the spicy deluxe sandwich.

What the first vehicle you drove? Kyler: I drove a 2002 Dodge and I had big subwoofers under the backseat to where the music rattled the windows. What do you enjoy doing when you’re not rodeoing? Kyler: I love going to the gym. The gym is probably one of my favorite places to be. It centers me, brings me back down to earth, and lets me focus on my goals. What’s your favorite holiday? Kyler: Thanksgiving, that’s a no brainer. I like to eat as much as possible, I love food. What was your favorite cartoon growing up? Kyler: I liked Looney Tunes and Tom and Jerry was at the top of the list for sure. What is your favorite sports team? Kyler: I never really got into other sports when I was younger, but I guess you could say I’ve always been a little bit of a fan of the Dallas Cowboys.

ProRodeo Sports News 4/29/2022

ProRodeo.com

10