ProRodeo Sports News - January 22, 2021

COWBOY GRILLE WITH TRACY RENCK

Bareback rider Kyle Bloomquist is ready to take the next step in his ProRodeo career. Bloomquist, 22, bought his PRCA card in January. He’s competing in the Great Lakes Circuit and has high hopes of winning rookie of the year in 2021. In February 2020, Bloomquist had his career-best win to date, capturing the title at Rodeo Rapid City (S.D.) with an 88-point ride on Burch Rodeo’s Fire Fly to earn $4,547.

How did you get your start in rodeo? Kyle: I grew up in Raymond, Minn. My dad (David) got me into rodeo because he high school rodeoed and did some rodeoing in the PRCA. My dad was a bareback rider and bull rider, and was a bullfighter. My dad gave me the opportunity to rodeo, and when my older sister (Rachel) started junior high rodeoing I was able to watch everything, and it was something I wanted to do. When you were younger was there a cowboy you looked up to? Kyle: I started watching Tanner Aus (five-time Wrangler National Finals Rodeo qualifier from Granite Falls, Minn.). I was watching Tanner when I was in high school, and he has helped me a lot and he’s still helping out to this day. I struck up a friendship with him. His dad and my dad used to rodeo together back in the day. Did you rodeo in college? Kyle: I rodeoed at Sheridan (Wyo.) College and got an associate degree in ag business and a bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary

KYLE BLOOMQUIST

Studies from Chadron (Neb.) State College in December. I rodeoed for Chadron for two years. I qualified for the College National Finals Rodeo three times, once at Sheridan and twice at Chadron. That was awesome to compete at the College National Finals Rodeo. That was a good stepping-stone for me. What was it like when you got that win at Rodeo Rapid City last year? Kyle: I was speechless afterward. I honestly couldn’t believe I just won Rodeo Rapid City. I had always enjoyed going to that rodeo when I was in high school. Then, to go out there and win it, it made me believe that I’m capable of running with these top guys and I have the talent and the drive to do something with my career. Is there a rodeo you want to go to that you haven’t been to yet? Kyle: I would really like to go to Pendleton (Ore). I’ve never gotten to rodeo on the grass there and I really want to.

What does 8 seconds feel like to you? Kyle: I think it is a blast. There are times when you don’t want it to end and sometimes it can’t come soon enough. I just enjoy it as much as I can. What are your rodeo goals for 2021? Kyle: I would love to win rookie of the year and I’m excited to finally get to travel all over the country and get to go to some of these bigger rodeos. Just the experience alone should be great. When you’re not rodeoing what do you enjoy doing? Kyle: I enjoy working out or riding my horse. I also like to go deer hunting and ice fishing. What TV show do you binge watch? Kyle: The Office . That show is really funny, and I enjoy when Jim messes with Dwight all the time. What’s your favorite movie? Kyle: Step Brothers . That movie makes me laugh.

If you could pick one restaurant to go to, what would it be? Kyle: When out there rodeoing, I like to go to In-N-Out Burger. What’s the best thing you cook? Kyle: Ribeye steak. Do you have a favorite candy or sweet? Kyle: I love those big, monster cookies with M&M’s in them that they sell at grocery stores. Do you have a favorite sports team? Kyle: Minnesota Golden Gophers. I like their hockey team the best. What’s your favorite holiday? Kyle: I would have to say Christmas. I enjoy being around family and spending time with people I don’t get to see all the time. Did you have a favorite Halloween costume you wore? Kyle: I put on all my dad’s bullfighting stuff and put all his makeup on when I was younger, and I dressed up like that again for Halloween this year.

ProRodeo Sports News 1/22/2021

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