ProRodeo Sports News - August 20, 2021

COWBOY GRILLE WITH TANNER BARTH

How did you get your start in rodeo? Slade: I started rodeoing when I was super young, I think I was maybe 6 years old. My dad (Neal) has done it my entire life and I grew up watching it all the time. I knew it was something I wanted to do since I was a kid. When did you know you could make a career out of rodeo? Slade: I think I was around 12 when I realized, you know what, I’m not too bad at this roping deal. It was around then when I realized I could make a living rodeoing if I put a ton of work into it. What do you like the most about rodeo? Slade: The competition that comes along with rodeo is great, but also the family feeling that comes along with it. Everyone is there to help you whenever you need it, and it seems like they all want you to do well. So, that’s something I really like about the sport. Why did you decide steer roping would be your event? Slade: I think it started with watching my dad do it for so many years, that made steer roping a natural event for me. I started roping calves at a super-young age, and from that point on I decided to start taking it seriously. I still enjoy some of the other events as well, though. Just a few months after graduating high school, rookie steer roper Slade Wood, 18, is starting to take the sport by storm. The New Ulm, Texas, cowboy, not only leads the PRCA | Resistol Rookie Standings, but he’s also seventh in the PRCA | RAM World Standings. The son of four-time National Finals Steer Roping qualifier Neal Wood won the Big Timber (Mont.) Weekly Rodeo July 7.

SLADE WOOD

Why did you decide to get your PRCA card right out of high school? Slade: I decided that I wasn’t going to college rodeo, and I felt like I could have a chance to come in and compete with the pros right away. Not many 18-year-olds are out here on the circuit doing it right now, so I think I made the right decision to buy it right after I turned 18. Who is someone you look up to in rodeo? Slade: I look up to my dad, that’s for sure, he’s showed me the ropes in the sport of rodeo. I also look up to Scott Snedecor in the steer roping and guys who have a good head on their shoulders and take care of business. Trevor Brazile is definitely one of those guys for me. What’s this season been like for you? Slade: It definitely started out rough. I even asked my dad if I was dumb for buying my card and trying to go this year because until about May I couldn’t win a check anywhere. Then the summer came around and things turned for me. It’s definitely different from youth rodeo, that’s for sure. I’ve learned a ton this year. What’s your favorite TV show? Slade: I’m a pretty big fan of “Friends.” I love comedies, and that’s one show I’ve always enjoyed watching. What’s your favorite candy? Slade: A good Twix candy bar is definitely hard to beat. What’s your go-to meal before or after a rodeo? Slade: I think if we’re going to be on the road, Whataburger would be the place we would stop. There’s a ton in Texas, so it’s not too hard to find one.

What’s the first vehicle you drove? Slade: The first vehicle I drove was a 2002 Dodge RAM automatic. I definitely fell in love with that vehicle. What do you do when you’re not rodeoing? Slade: When I’m not out rodeoing a lot of my time is spent practicing, going to school and hanging out with friends when I can. What’s your favorite holiday? Slade: Christmas is probably my favorite holiday out of all of them. I just love spending time with my family and celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.

What was your favorite cartoon growing up? Slade: “Tom and Jerry” is a great show to watch. What is your favorite sports team? Slade: I’m a fan of the Houston Texans.

ProRodeo Sports News 8/20/2021

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