ProRodeo Sports News - August 23, 2019

Standing 6-foot-8 and weighing 265 pounds, Denell Henderson is a natural athlete who went from playing college basketball for Oral Roberts (Oklahoma) University to wrestling steers in ProRodeo. During his rookie season, the 26-year-old from Damascus, Ark., led the steer wrestling PRCA | Resistol Rookie Standings with $47,062 as of Aug. 19. Henderson was raised by rodeo contestants – his dad is also a steer wrestler and his mom is a barrel racer. COWBOY GRILLE WITH AMBER BAILLIE

Why did you buy your PRCA card? Denell: It’s just something I’ve always wanted to do. I got tired of playing basketball, and I always wanted to rodeo, so it was a no-brainer. What are you focused on this season? Denell: My main goal is to win Rookie of the Year. Everybody who is out here is always trying to make the Finals, so if that’s something that happens, it would just be another stepping-stone. Are you competing with any injuries? Denell: I tore ligaments in my left hand when I was in North Platte (Neb.) at a non-PRCA-sanctioned rodeo. The steer pulled my fingers backwards; it tore everything in my hand. Healing has been a slow process, but I’m still competing and stretching it out every day. What rodeo accomplishment are you most proud of? Denell: So far, winning second at Reno (Rodeo in Nevada, where Henderson earned $6,671). What did you study in college? Denell: Sports Management. Did you gradu a te? Denell: I left early, I’m still 12 hours from graduating. What made you want to switch gears? Denell: Even when I was playing ball, I was always sneaking away to go to rodeos. It was just something I always wanted to do. At the time, my parents were rodeoing pretty heavily, and I always wanted to be there to go with them. What was the first PRCA rodeo you attended? Denell: (Rusk County PRCA Rodeo) Henderson, Texas, about three years ago. Growing up did you watch your dad compete? Denell: A little bit. I was always so busy playing ball, but whenever I had the chance I did. What do you enjoy most about the rodeo lifestyle? Denell: I enjoy making friends and everyone helping each other to do their best as much as possible. Who do you travel with? Denell: Tanner Brunner, Trever Nelson and Levi Rudd (fellow PRCA steer wrestlers). What’s your steer wrestling tactic? Denell: To go fast. My fastest time so far at a rodeo has been 3.1 seconds. What’s been your biggest challenge? Denell: Trying to keep healthy, not being so sore and being able to get up and keep going. Do you have a favorite rodeo? Denell: RodeoHouston. It’s a big rodeo that I’ve always watched and have wanted to be a part of. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received from your dad? Denell: To never give up. What other interests do you have? Denell: I’m not very good at it but I like to play golf. Do you have a favorite sports team? Denell: The Los Angeles Lakers. Even though he’s retired, I’ve always been a Kobe (Bryant) fan. What’s your favorite movie? Denell: Creed . Is there any benefit to being a tall steer wrestler? Denell: Sometimes it has its advantages and sometimes it has its downfalls, like just being too heavy. What are you working on right now to be better at your event? Denell: It’s so far into the season, you’ve just got to roll with the punches. You can maybe fix things as you’re going but if it’s working, don’t change it. HENDERSON

ProRodeo Sports News 8/23/2019

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