ProRodeo Sports News - February 23, 2018

GRILLE COWBOY

The plan for rookie team roping heeler JAKE EDWARDS is falling into place. At 18 years old, the Fort Ann, N.Y., cowboy spent only five months on his permit before kicking off his rookie year at the start of the 2018 season. Now he’s leading the rookie heeler standings with $7,610 and is gearing up for the RAMNational Circuit Finals Rodeo at Kissimmee, Fla., in April.

WITH MATT NABER PSN

What was it like to win the RAM First Frontier Circuit Finals Rodeo as a rookie? Jake: It was a pretty crazy feeling for my first finals, being able to win what we did, and it’s unbelievable tome. I’d been waiting a long time to rope there. It wasmy dream to win the average and I was happy to have done it my first year. How did you and Eric Fabian team up? Jake: I’ve known Eric since I was a little kid and we’ve competed at unsanctioned events. The year before I was able to rodeo in the PRCA, he askedme to rope and I couldn’t turn it down. I know how he ropes, and he’s solid and knows what to do in every situation. He’s the perfect fit for me to rodeo with. What’s your game plan as the RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo approaches? Jake: We’re going to go to some rodeos in Florida to get a jump for the upcoming year and keep practicing to stay on our game and do well in Florida. How will you handle the pressure as a rookie facing world champions at the RNCFR in April? Jake: I hope pretty well. I’monly 18, but I’ve been rodeoing for quite some time. For me, it’s another rodeo and I just need to get themcaught and see where it all falls. What’s special about your roping horse? Jake: I rode a new horse this year, Nugget. He’s a palomino American Quarter Horse and about 11 years old. He was a game-changer for me this year. I got him in August and was rodeoing on him in September and everything clicked. He’s solid as a rock and givesme the same thing every time. I couldn’t have done what I did without him. How would you describe your roping style? Jake: I’d say I’mmore on the faster side and don’t like to think about it toomuch. I like to react and do it – safetying up isn’t reallymy game. I heard your dad, Vern Edwards, also competes in rodeo. Is that how you got involved in team roping? Jake: My whole family competes, my grandpa (Dave Reynolds) competed until he was 75 years old andmy father is a Gold Cardmember of the PRCA. He was originally a steer wrestler, but he started team roping when I was born. He wanted to save his body to be able to rope withme and we roped fromwhen I was 12-13 years old at amateur rodeos. It was a good experience to have himbymy side. Mymom (Theresa) is a circuit champion in theWPRA for barrel racing. Why did you spend only five months on your permit? Jake: I rodeoed the whole year up until the 2018 season started. I wanted to havemy rookie year here, where the First Frontier Circuit is, and try to win the circuit my rookie year. Once the 2018 season started, I bought my card and rodeoed in the fall so everything I won in the circuit finals counts toward the rookie standings and the world standings. What’s the rodeo community like near Fort Ann, N.Y.? Jake: It’s a lot bigger than everyone thinks. Everyone immediately thinks of NewYork City, but it’s nothing like that. We live in the country, and fromMemorial Day to October there’s a rodeo to go to every weekend, and from the Fourth of July to Labor Day there are three rodeos a week, and sometimesmore. Do you compete in college rodeo? Jake: I go to SUNY Adirondack Community College (in Queensbury, N.Y.) and I’mmajoring in BusinessManagement and Entrepreneurship. I knew if I tried to do rodeo and university at the same time it wouldn’t work out because I love to rodeo toomuch. What’s the biggest challenge you’ve encountered in rodeo and how did you overcome it?

Jake: My biggest challenge is probably knowing when to go catch and knowing when to let it all hang out and go fast. Some of the rodeos we go to are a catching game and I’ve had to learn that a lot this year. The group I haul with kind of helpsme and hopefullymademe into a smarter andmore well-rounded roper. What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given? Jake: DanMorgan toldme to react to the situation and don’t plan it out. Who is your rodeo idol?

Jake: Probably Jade Corkill – he’s obviously a world champion and inmy opinion one of the best ropers of all time. He’s cool, calmand collected, and knows how to win. What chore do you absolutely hate doing? Which one do you kind of like doing? Jake: Cleaning the stalls, it’s not very fun. The one I like doing is feeding cows – we don’t have any in the winter because it’s so cold here, but in the summer, we had 15-20 head. Aside from rodeo, what do you do for fun?

Jake: I like to golf and play pool, but I’mnot very good at it. What movie do you never get tired of watching? Jake: Lonesome Dove. Who’s your favorite musician? Jake: HankWilliams Jr.

JAKE EDWARDS

ProRodeo Sports News 2/23/18

ProRodeo.com

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