ProRodeo Sports News - August 7, 2020

COWBOY GRILLE WITH AMBER BAILLIE

What has led to your success this season? Luke: My horse has been great this summer and I’ve been fortunate to run some good calves at some good rodeos. How long have you had your horse? Luke: I bought him in February. His name is Boon. What’s been your best rodeo so far? Luke: Spanish Fork, Utah (Spanish Fork Fiesta Days Rodeo, where Potter won $5,894 after placing in two rounds and tying for second in the average with Bo Pickett.) What would you like to achieve by the end of the season? Luke: To win Rookie of the Year and set myself up well for next year. How did you get into tie-down roping? Luke: My dad roped calves and steers. My family got a ranch, and that’s where I learned how to do it. I think the first calf I tied down I was 5, maybe 7 years old. What’s the most challenging aspect about the event? After purchasing his PRCA card this season and rodeoing full-time, tie-down roper Luke Potter is living out his childhood dream — building a career in ProRodeo. In 2019, the Maple City, Kan., cowboy finished as the year- end tie-down roping champion in the Prairie Circuit. As of Aug. 4, the 21-year-old was second in the PRCA | Resistol Rookie Standings, $2,420 behind leader Kincade Henry.

LUKE POTTER

Luke: The hardest part about it is that you go to so many rodeos throughout the year and sometimes you get in dry spells. You have to remember that you know how to do it. With the ups and downs of being gone and rodeoing for a whole year, just knowing when it’s bad it can go equally as good, and keeping a level-mind about it, not staying down in the dumps. Do you research the calves you draw? Luke: We try and keep a pretty good list on the calves. We’ll get around the people who’ve roped them before and ask, or call guys we’ve watched rope them before. What do you enjoy most about tie-down roping? Luke: I like that I get to do what I love every day. I’ve been working toward that goal since I was 12. Did your dad compete in the PRCA? Luke: When my dad (Grady) roped calves, he stayed more in the circuit, he didn’t really go out and rodeo too much. When he roped steers, he won the Prairie Circuit in 2006. He got close to making the steer roping finals a few times. What’s your favorite way to get exercise? Luke: I like staying active, doing things outside and being on a horse. I try to rope every day. Those are ways that keep me in shape. If you weren’t a ProRodeo cowboy what would you be?

Luke: Just a regular cowboy. I’d be a working cowboy, helping out with what I could. I love everything about the ranch, anything from working cattle to checking cattle. I don’t like when it’s cold and miserable and you have to break ice. What’s one thing that can instantly make your day better? Luke: A call from family. When I’m gone, I love to hear from them. What is your favorite beverage? Luke: Sweet tea or Dr Pepper. What phone app do you use the most? Luke: Snapchat or Netflix. What’s your most prized possession? Luke: The relationships that I have with my family, with my dad and grandpa especially. I wouldn’t trade that for anything. Who do you look up to in rodeo? Luke: Inside the arena there is nobody who has ever roped better than Cody Ohl, in my opinion. What is your favorite movie? Luke: Lonesome Dove and Tombstone . What do you enjoy on the road? Luke: I like to listen to Prime Country on Sirius XM, and I like a good coffee while I’m driving. I’ll get into some 80’s rock later in the day.

ProRodeo Sports News 8/7/2020

ProRodeo.com

12