ProRodeo Sports News - August 21, 2020

Marriott was in no hurry to buy his PRCA card while competing for the rodeo team at the College of Southern Idaho in Twin Falls. He earned associates degrees in welding technology and equine studies. “I wanted to make sure I had every opportunity to win rookie of the year next year (in the PRCA), and I wanted to get college out of the way first,” Marriott said. Marriott qualified for the College National Finals Rodeo three consecutive years, the last one this summer in Casper, Wyo., was canceled because of the pandemic. “It was awesome to get to rodeo in college,” Marriott said. “I met a lot of cool guys and learned a lot.” When Marriott isn’t rodeoing, he works out and runs his leatherwork company – Double Bar V Customs. “I do all sorts of stuff, belts, chaps, you name it,” said Marriott, who has been running the leatherwork company for six years. “I love doing that stuff, and it keeps me busy when I’m not rodeoing.” GREAT MENTORS Bobby Marriott, Bronc’s father, helped Bronc down the rodeo path. Bobby has been a PRCA pickup man since 1995 and worked four Wrangler National Finals Rodeos, the last coming in 2012. Bronc also received instruction from the late Lewis Feild, a ProRodeo Hall of Famer, and Feild’s son, Kaycee, a four-time bareback riding world champion. “They were really good teachers,” Bronc said. “I originally wanted

to be a saddle bronc rider because that’s what my dad did. I got to be around Kaycee and his dad, and there’s a lot more going on in bareback riding. It was more appealing to me. I started getting on the bucking machine with those guys, and I really liked it and it stuck.” Bronc, who has two older sisters, Megan and Melia, and an older brother, Riggin, didn’t get on a bucking horse until he was 15. “I’m a smaller guy, and my parents wanted me to wait until I got more developed,” said Bronc, who’s 5-foot-4 and 150 pounds. Bobby is proud of what Bronc has accomplished in his young career. “It’s fun to watch Bronc and see his success,” the elder Marriott said. “He’s been working at it pretty hard

“With my name being Bronc, I don’t think I could work in a cubicle. I don’t think that’s an option.” – BRONC MARRIOTT

and getting better. He’s getting confidence in himself, and as a parent you want to see your children succeed. His mom (Michelle) is his biggest fan. She’s really happy when he has success.” Dylan Sandvick, Bronc’s traveling partner and longtime friend, offered high praise. Dylan’s father Larry Sandvick is a 12-time NFR qualifier in bareback riding. “Bronc is super athletic and super fun to be around,” said Dylan, 21. “Anything Bronc has done that I’ve seen, he puts in 110% and doesn’t let failure get in his way, that’s not an option. He handles everything super well. He doesn’t let anything get him down. He’s always positive and stays focused on the goals he’s set for himself. Bronc is determined to make the NFR, and I do believe it’s going to happen.” Bronc took a moment to consider what it would be like to qualify for PRCA’s ultimate rodeo. “I get chills thinking about what it would feel like to make the NFR,” Marriott said.

Photo courtesy Bronc Marriott Bronc Marriott shows off a belt he was working on at his leatherwork company – Double Bar V Customs. Marriott has run his own leatherwork company for six years.

ProRodeo Sports News 8/21/2020

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