ProRodeo Sports News - February 3, 2023

COWBOY GRILLE WITH TANNER BARTH

Chet Weitz, 21, is making waves during his rookie season in ProRodeo. The London, Texas, all-around cowboy, kicked off the year by winning the year end tie-down roping title in the Texas Circuit to punch his ticket to the NFR Open powered by RAM in July. In the latest PRCA | RAM World Standings, Weitz sits 11th in tie-down roping and 14th in the team roping as he looks to become the first rookie to ever qualify for the NFR in two events.

How’d you get your start in rodeo? Chet: My mom rodeoed and then my dad started to rodeo when he met my mom. He also ranched, so I was around it all the time. I just always grew up with a rope in my hand. I guess you could say my family is how I got my start in rodeo. When did you know you could make a career out of the sport of rodeo? Chet: Ever since I was little, I’ve always wanted to rodeo. I actually went out to Vegas when I was 3 years old and won a saddle out there at the dummy roping they had. I think from that point on I knew it was something I wanted to do. Why did you decide to do multiple events in ProRodeo? Chet: I’ve always really enjoyed (tie-down) roping and team roping. I’ve been pretty decent at both throughout my life. Honestly, I really couldn’t decide on one event or the other. One of my goals this year is to be the first rookie to make it in both events. That’s one reason I’m pursuing both so hard. Who’s someone you look up to in the sport of rodeo?

CHET WEITZ

Chet: I really look up to a group of guys. Some of them I look up to because they rope good, but more importantly I look up to a guy like Trevor Brazile because of the way he holds himself in and out of the arena. What’s one rodeo you want to win before your career is over? Chet: It has always been a goal of mine to win RodeoHouston. I’ve never been to Pendleton (Ore.) but that would be a really fun one to win as well. The buckles they give to the winners are amazing, it looks like an awesome rodeo. What have you learned during your rookie season? Chet: I think one big thing that I’ve learned so far is that every rodeo counts. Needless to say, I’ve never had a rodeo count in the past. I’ve learned that every calf and steer that I run is important. Even if it’s a smaller rodeo, it can make a difference. Why did you decide to buy your PRCA card at this point in your career? Chet: All the young kids always buy their PRCA cards at 18. I really wanted to finish college before I bought my PRCA card, that way I knew I was fully committed to going all year. This is my last semester at Texas Tech, and I really wanted to be fully committed. It allowed me to mature with my roping. What’s your favorite restaurant? Chet: I like any good steakhouse, but if I had to choose just one it would probably be Del Frisco’s in Fort Worth. We always love going to that place. Do you have a favorite sports team? Chet: I should probably say Texas Tech, since I go to school there. Do you have a favorite candy? Chet: I try not to eat much candy, but I’d probably have to go with a Snickers. What was the make and model of your first vehicle? Chet: I actually bought it on my own, it was a 1986 four speed Chevy. I thought I was pretty hot stuff driving that thing at 15 years old. What’s your favorite TV show or series? Chet: I started Peaky Blinders the other day and that’s a pretty good show. What’s your favorite holiday? Chet: My favorite holiday would probably have to be Christmas. It’s a celebration of Jesus, where you get to spend time with friends and family. What type of music do you like listening to? Chet: I listen to all sorts of stuff. If I had to narrow it down, I would probably say rap and country are my go-to. What do you enjoy doing in your downtime from rodeo? Chet: I really like to play golf and tennis. I played tennis in high school and actually won state all four years. I also like to hunt and fish when I can.

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ProRodeo Sports News 2/3/2023