ProRodeo Sports News - April 6, 2018

GRILLE COWBOY

Saddle bronc rider ROSS GRIFFIN debuted in 2017 on his permit, finishing second in the RAM Rodeo Permit Standings with $14,492. A junior at Western Texas College, Griffin rides for the Westerners’ rodeo teamwhile also juggling time as a rookie in the PRCA. As of April 2, the 21-year-old had accrued $5,283 in 2018, good for third most among rookies.

WITH NICK CICERE PSN

Last year you finished second in the permit standings. How much fun did you have hitting the road for the first time as a professional? Ross: It was awesome. I had a blast. It was fun, but it was good to get out there and get the feel for it. I learned a lot, too. One of my buddies got hurt and I had to travel by myself for a little while. That was tough, but it was an obstacle I had to figure out. What was it like to compete at the PRCA Permit Members Challenge in Las Vegas in December? Ross: It was pretty cool. They treated us really well, and theymade us feel like we accomplished something by being there, so it was a pretty neat deal to go to. I wish I would have done a lot better. Of all the new cities and towns you went to, which was the coolest, in your opinion?

Ross: I really liked when we were up inMinnesota, at Waconia and Isanti. Going up there, that was pretty neat. It’s a lot different up there compared to anything I’ve ever really seen. We’re just young guys that didn’t know anybody and everybody was really friendly to us. We just had a blast. Did you grow up in New Mexico? Ross: Yes, sir, born and raised in Tularosa. We run some cows down there. There’s not a whole lot going on in Tularosa, so you have to entertain yourself, but it’s a close-knit community. How did you get into riding broncs? Ross: I’ma third-generation cowboy. I’ve been around it since I was little bitty. I made the decision I was always going to be a bronc rider for as long as I can remember. Having been on the circuit for a little while now, is there any bronc you’ve ridden that stood out the most? Ross: I’ve been on a lot of really good ones. I’ve been on some really nice horses, some really fun ones. There aren’t any particular horses I can think of, but I do like to ride Frontier Rodeo horses. I’ve had a lot of good luck with them. How’s life at Western Texas College? Ross: It’s pretty good. It’s kind of likemy hometown, there isn’t really a lot to do or much that goes on, but it’s a good place to learn how to ride broncs. My roommate, Clayton Sellars, and I have a couple colts around and we ride themwhen we’re home. We’ve been rodeoing quite a bit, but when we’re back we ride them. There are quite a few places to fish around here, too. That’s our entertainment around here – riding horses and fishing. What’s your major? Ross: I got a degree last semester in animal science. I didn’t knowwhat to do or if I’d stay in school. I decided I’d finish the year and try to make the College National Finals Rodeo onemore time. I’m just taking a welding course now. What do you want to do with that degree? Ross: Man, I really don’t have any idea right now. I have a one-trackmind. I want to hit the road and try that. Do you watch any sports outside of rodeo?

Ross: I used to be pretty into football, but ever since I moved to college…we have an old VCR TV, so we’re kind of out of the loop. I don’t watch asmuch as I used to. Do you have a favorite football team? Ross: The Indianapolis Colts. I don’t knowwhy I like them, I just always have. I think I started liking themas a kid just because of what they were called. Is there anyone in rodeo that you would consider your hero or role model? Ross: Probably Billy Etbauer. He’s the greatest. He’s the standard for saddle bronc riding. Your first name is Garrett, but officially you go by Ross. Why is that? Ross: To be honest with you, I’ve never been called Garrett since the

time I was born. I have no idea whymy birth certificate is that way. They’ve never calledme Garrett, I’ve always been Ross since I hit the ground. My uncle’s name is Garrett andmy grandpa’s is too, but neither of themgo by Garrett, either. I don’t knowwhat the deal is. What would it mean to you to eventually qualify for the NFR?

Ross: That would be a dreamcome true. That’s everything I’ve been trying to do for forever. That’s all I’ve thought about for quite a few years now, so it would be awesome.

ROSS GRIFFIN

ProRodeo Sports News 4/6/18

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