ProRodeo Sports News - August 5, 2022

COWBOY GRILLE WITH TANNER BARTH

Steer wrestler Ryan Nettle, 22, is just beginning his ProRodeo career, but he’s already checked a few items off his bucket list. He placed in three different rodeos during his first Cowboy Christmas run over the Fourth of July. This past fall he won the average title at the RAM Texas Circuit Finals Rodeo, which punched his ticket to the inaugural NFR Open in Colorado Springs, Colo. The Goldthwaite, Texas, cowboy currently sits third in the running for the Resistol Rookie of the Year with $18,314.

How’d you get your start in rodeo? Ryan: My stepdad got me into it originally, he steer wrestled all throughout his life. Once he introduced me to it, I took to it and never looked back. When did you know you could make a career out of the sport of rodeo? Ryan: It started out as hobby for me, but I was practicing every day and realized I was getting pretty good at it. So, I thought I might as well try to pursue this a little more. I had success in high school and that gave me the confidence to give it a try. Why did you decide steer wrestling would be your event? Ryan: My body size fit steer wrestling and I really enjoyed it from the very first steer that I jumped. It was an adrenaline rush and the event that I wanted to pursue the most and take part in. I wouldn’t have it any other way. What’s this season been like for you so far?

RYAN NETTLE

Ryan: It’s been a little up and down. I had a great Fourth of July run and I’ve just kind of been winning checks here and there. I’ve been making good runs, but just haven’t been drawing on the best side of the cattle. Hopefully that’ll turn around and I can get a good summer finished up strong. Why did you decide to get your PRCA card now? Ryan: I won the average at the Texas Circuit Finals and qualified for the NFR Open. When I did that, I realized I qualified to get into San Antonio. I figured this was the best year if I was ever going to have a chance to do really well in my rookie year. Did you do any other rodeo events growing up? Ryan: I roped calves and team roped first actually. Really, steer wrestling was the last event that I started to practice and compete in. But it was clear early on that steer wrestling would be my event. Is there someone you look up to in the sport of rodeo? Ryan: I really don’t have one in particular. I like to pick things from everyone that’s out here rodeoing and try to use their best feature in my style. I try to blend a couple of guys together to make a really good style of steer wrestling. What’s one rodeo you want to win in your career? Ryan: I think winning either Houston or San Antonio would be really cool. I’ve always lived in between both of them and always went to them as a kid. What’s your go to restaurant when you’re out on the road? Ryan: I like Texas Roadhouse and Logan’s Roadhouse quite a bit. I’m a pretty big steak guy I guess you could say. What’s your favorite movie or TV show? Ryan: I’m a big fan of anything with action and a good story line really. I recently watched the new Top Gun , and it was a pretty good one. What was the make of your first car? Ryan: I think the first vehicle that I drove was a 2012 Ford F-350. What’s your favorite holiday? Ryan: Christmas is definitely my favorite holiday. You get to see all of your family and eat good. Hopefully there’s a few presents that go along with that. What type of music do you like listening to? Ryan: I’ll listen to just about anything, but I guess my favorite pick would be some type of country music. I’m an old school country music fan mainly. What do you enjoy doing when you’re not rodeoing? Ryan: Usually my traveling partners and I will go play golf, or maybe if there’s some water nearby, we will try to go fishing when we can.

ProRodeo Sports News 8/5/2022

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