ProRodeo Sports News - February 2, 2024

COWBOY GRILLE WITH TANNER BARTH

Zane Kilgus, 22, has his Resistol Rookie season pointed in the right direction as the month of January comes to an end. The Pennsylvania native is coming off winning the average and year-end tie-down roping title at the RAM First Frontier Circuit Finals Rodeo. As of Jan. 31, Kilgus leads the all-around race in the Resistol Rookie standings and is 12th in the PRCA | RAM World Standings with $12,245.

ZANE KILGUS

How’d you get your start in rodeo? Zane: My mom, my dad, and my brother all rodeoed and I just kind of followed in their footsteps as far as rodeo goes. When did you know you could make a career out of the sport of rodeo? Zane: I don’t know if there was a specific time when I knew I could make it. I just have always put all my time and everything into rodeo. When I was a kid, I told myself that this is something I wanted to do my whole life. Why did you decide team roping and tie-down roping would be your events?

Zane: I’ve always team roped, and calf roped my whole life. I have a pretty good horse right now and partner. So, I thought if I was going to go enter one event that I might as well enter both of them. Who’s someone you look up to in the sport of rodeo? Zane: I probably look up to my dad probably more than anybody and my brother. They were always there to help me when I was younger, and I still lean on them for advice to this day. What’s one rodeo you want to win before your career is over? Zane: I would really like to win Cheyenne (Wyo.) or Calgary. Winning either one of those would be pretty cool. What have your learned during your rookie season? Zane: I think I’m still learning out here because every rodeo you enter is going to be different than the last one. You have to learn how to enter and what rodeos are going to be the best for you while you’re out on the road. Why did you decide to buy your PRCA card at this point in your career? Zane: This is my last year in college (at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M). I was going to team rope quite a bit this year but then things changed a little bit for me at the circuit finals in the calf roping. So, I thought I might as well get it and see what happens. What’s your most memorable moment this season? Zane: I would have to say it was probably winning the average and the year-end title at the (RAM First Frontier) Circuit Finals with my mom and dad there watching. My mom also competed in the breakaway roping, so it was pretty awesome. What’s your favorite restaurant? Zane: I would have to say any good steakhouse. A prime rib or ribeye or something along those lines is usually what I get. Do you have a favorite sports team? Zane: You know I don’t hardly follow sports outside of rodeo. I do watch a lot of rodeo though and roping videos. What was the make and model of the first vehicle you drove? Zane: I had a standard silver Saturn that I bought from my aunt when I was in high school. That thing had quite a few miles on it. What’s your favorite TV show or series? Zane: It would probably have to be a John Wayne movie or another older Western show. What’s your favorite non-alcoholic drink? Zane: That’s an easy one for me, Dr Pepper. It’s the best. What’s your favorite holiday? Zane: Let’s go with New Years, it’s a pretty good one. There’s always a bunch of good jackpot ropings and things to go to around that time of the year. What type of music do you like listening to? Zane: I kind of bounce back and forth when it comes to music.

Sometimes I’ll get on a kick where I’m listening to Hank Williams and other times, I’ll listen to heavy metal or rock. What do you enjoy doing in your downtime from rodeo? Zane: I like to hunt and do a little fishing when I can. Other than that, I rope all the time.

ProRodeo Sports News 2/2/2024

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