ProRodeo Sports News - Feb. 7, 2020

“It was really nice to get that ride,” Jandreau said. “I don’t think I had been in the 80s much, I had a heck of a year (in 2019). For that to go that way at the last one of the year meant a lot. I think my friends behind the chutes were more excited than I was. It has been a while since something went my way.” Ty Manke, Jandreau’s friend and a fellow saddle bronc rider, was thrilled to see his buddy get a much-needed win. “Dawson and I have been friends since high school,” Manke said. “He’s laidback, but he can be pretty funny. When he’s on top of his game he rides as good as anyone. He’s just had a few injuries here and there. He had a horrible summer (last year), so to see him win (in Sioux Falls) was really cool.” RODEO IN HIS BLOOD Jandreau plans on mainly competing in Badlands Circuit rodeos in 2020. “I want to stay close to home to take care of cows,” Jandreau said. “I enjoy working on the ranch. It is nice to make my own hours and have time to rodeo.” Jandreau and his father, Marty, run a cow-calf operation in Kennebec, S.D. On May 11, Jandreau also began a new chapter in his life – marrying Sadie in Deadwood. Jandreau grew up in a family with plenty of rodeo ties, highlighted by his father, Marty, who qualified for the 1985 Wrangler NFR in saddle bronc riding. He finished 13th in the world standings. Marty Jandreau also was a standout in the Badlands Circuit, capturing the 1982 all-around and the 1986 saddle bronc riding title at the Badlands Circuit Finals Rodeo. He won the Badlands Circuit year-end title in saddle bronc riding in 1990-91. Dawson’s younger sister, Cedar, is a roper. “The main advice my dad gave me was to never quit,” Dawson said. “When I was a sophomore in high school, I started taking saddle bronc riding seriously.” Dawson qualified for the National High School Finals Rodeo twice and was crowned the National High School Rodeo Association saddle bronc riding champion in 2009. He received a scholarship to Vernon (Texas) College and qualified for the College National Finals Rodeo his freshman year. Since 2010, he has earned $155,469 in ProRodeo. His best seasons were in 2013 ($21,556) and 2018 ($21,910). “I went hard in 2013-15, not as hard as some of the other guys, and then with injuries and stuff, circuit rodeos fit me better,” Dawson said. “It would be nice to qualify for the RAMNational Circuit Finals Rodeo, but I just like going to rodeos and seeing friends and getting on horses. It’s pretty cool when you make a ride and everything comes together.” Jandreau knows nothing comes easy in the Badlands Circuit. “If you come in the ninth, 10th, 11th, 12th hole (to the RAM Badlands Circuit Finals Rodeo), that’s actually pretty good because there are a lot of good bronc riders up here in the circuit,” he said. Manke believes there’s no reason Jandreau can’t qualify for the RAMNCFR. “He could easily get there,” said Manke, who has been to the RAMNCFR twice. “As long as he can stay healthy and draw good, boy, I think he could make the NFR. He dang sure rides good enough. It just seems like the last few years luck hasn’t gone his way. I know in the springtime I’m going to jump (back in the rig) with Dawson and Jace Blackwell. I know I would like to see Dawson go hard and make it to the RAM (NCFR). He has a lot of talent.” PAST SUCCESS, FUTURE ENDEAVORS

Photo courtesy of Dawson Jandreau Dawson Jandreau shares a light moment with his bride, Sadie. The couple was married May 11.

Photo courtesy of Dawson Jandreau

Dawson Jandreau, as a youngster, plays with his father, Marty, a former Wrangler National Finals Rodeo qualifier in saddle bronc riding.

ProRodeo Sports News 2/7/2020

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