ProRodeo Sports News - August 19, 2022

COWBOY GRILLE WITH TANNER BARTH

Caleb Berquist, 22, is an up and coming do-it-all cowboy in ProRodeo. The LaCrosse, Wash., native competes in three events in the PRCA, tie-down roping, team roping, and steer roping. His success inside the arena has him sitting first in the all around cowboy race for the Resistol Rookie of the Year. His signature win in 2022 came at the Central Montana PRCA Rodeo in Lewistown, Mont., July 28.

How’d you get your start in rodeo? Caleb: I didn’t start really rodeoing until I was in seventh grade. From there I started junior high rodeoing. That’s when Gabe Richardson started helping us on the ranch and he started practicing with me in the arena along with my dad. That’s kind of how I got started in the rodeo world. When did you know you could make a career out of the sport of rodeo? CALEB BERQUIST

Caleb: I don’t know if there was for sure an exact moment. Toward the end of my college career, I started putting a lot more effort and practice into it. Once I finally got to college and pushed myself against other people that is probably when I started to realize I could go down the road and compete. Why did you decide to compete in multiple rodeo events? Caleb: We grew up on a ranch in Eastern Washington and we never did the same task every day. So, I’ve always had the goal of being a guy who competes in five events, and I really enjoy them all. The all-around ability was something I always found interesting and it’s really unique in our sport to do all five timed events. What’s this season been like for you?

Caleb: It has been a lot of fun. I know that there are learning points at every rodeo, and I’ve experienced them. We have been winning, but not necessarily in just one event. It’s been good for me to have the opportunity to win money in multiple events. It has helped me keep going down the road. Why did you decide to buy your PRCA card this year? Caleb: I knew I had a good team roping partner behind me to go and I had just graduated college. So, I thought I better buy my card now and give it a go. My parents also granted me with the opportunity to stay over here in Montana and chase my rodeo goals. Is there someone you look up to in the sport of rodeo? Caleb: Gabe Richardson is a guy who I really look up to. He has been there ever since I was little, and he has helped me in about every way. The same goes for my dad and my mom. They have always been super supportive, and I’ll never be able to thank them enough. What’s one rodeo you want to win in your career?

Caleb: I would say that Cheyenne (Frontier Days) has to be up at the top of the list for me. The other one I would love to win is probably the Pendleton (Ore.) Round-Up because I grew up around there. What’s your go-to restaurant when you’re out on the road? Caleb: My go to restaurant would probably have to be Buffalo Wild Wings, I’m a big fan of it. I usually go with 15 honey barbecue and medium boneless wings. What’s your favorite movie or TV show? Caleb: I bet I have seen Lonesome Dove a hundred times, that might be an exaggeration, but I can quote quite a bit of that whole movie. Anytime we pull into a rodeo and have the AC on we are usually playing it. What was the make of your first car? Caleb: I drove a 2008 Ford F-350 that I used on the ranch and drove to school. When you’re not rodeoing what do you enjoy doing for fun?

Caleb: You know, I love being home. I’ve always told my dad that branding calves is one of my favorite things to do. I do quite a bit of hunting with my family as well when we can. What’s your favorite holiday? Caleb: I would have to say that my favorite holiday is Christmas. Our entire family gets to get together and I just love that it’s a relaxing time of the year on the ranch. What type of music do you like listening to? Caleb: I am all over the road when it comes to my music list. I listen to quite a bit of the older country music, but also some of the newer stuff.

ProRodeo Sports News 8/19/2022

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