ProRodeo Sports News - Jan. 21, 2022

COWBOY GRILLE WITH TANNER BARTH

In his first year as a PRCA cardholder steer wrestler Gus Franzen is making his name known in the sport of rodeo.

How’d you get your start in rodeo? Gus : I’m a first-generation rodeo cowboy, but I grew up wrestling and living on a ranch in Nebraska. I’ve always had a rope around the house, but in high school I started steer wrestling and it kind of took off for me. When did you know you could make a career out of the sport of rodeo? Gus: It was probably my senior year of high school when I decided it was at least something that I wanted to take to the college level. Being around guys who have been there and done that really puts it into perspective and makes it feel possible, at least for me that is. Why did you decide steer wrestling would be your event? Gus : My first steer wrestling practice I broke my leg. So, I put an end to that and didn’t think it was for me then my sophomore year of high school my dad talked me into coming back to it. I wrestled my whole life growing up, so it was something that just came naturally to me. What’s this season been like for you so far? Gus: We are just getting started I’ve been to just a few ProRodeos, but I’ve had some luck early. I’m doing a mixture of amateur, college, and ProRodeo right now, but it’s been a great year so far. Why did you decide to get your PRCA card now? Gus: I had two permits before this and the plan all along was to stay on my permit through college. Then I made our Prairie Circuit Finals last year and after talking to a few of my mentors they encouraged me to go ahead and get my card. Winning (Resistol) Rookie of the Year is definitely one of my main goals. Did you do any other rodeo events growing up? Gus: I team rope, and tie-down rope when I can. I still team rope at all the college rodeos, but it’s mainly steer wrestling at this point. Is there someone you look up to in the sport of rodeo? Gus: I don’t think there’s a single person that I look up to the most. These past couple years I’ve had the opportunity to get close with Sean Mulligan, he’s a Nebraska steer wrestler who really influences me and all my traveling partners. You can say the same for Tyler Pearson and Tom Carney. What’s one rodeo you want to win in your career? Gus: Salinas (Calif.) seems like a really cool one to win and Nebraska’s Biggest Rodeo in Burwell. That’s pretty much my hometown rodeo, so I think that would be close to the top of the list as well. What’s your go- to restaurant when you’re out on the road? Gus: It seems like we eat a lot of Subway, that might be because they are in a ton of gas stations. I get a steak, egg, and cheese sandwich almost every time. What’s your go-to movie or TV show? Gus: I love Step Brothers and I love the TV show Family Guy . Three months into the 2022 season he leads the Resistol Rookie Standings with $2,588. The 21-year-old Kearney, Neb., native has had a great start to his season. He won the average at the Cooks Rodeo Days in Lubbock, Texas, Nov. 5-6, and placed fourth at the RAM Prairie Circuit Finals Rodeo in Duncan, Okla.

GUS FRANZEN

What was the make of your first car? Gus: I drove a 1986 Jeep Comanche pickup truck. It was a great vehicle until it quit on me. What’s your favorite holiday? Gus: The Fourth of July is my favorite holiday. No matter what you’re doing it’s always fun and with Cowboy Christmas you get to go to a bunch of rodeos. Whether you’re rodeoing or at the lake the Fourth of July is always a good time. What type of music do you like listening to? Gus: My dad influenced me to listen to 90s alternative heavily throughout my whole life. So, I listen to a lot of that and all country music.

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