ProRodeo Sports News - January 5, 2024

COWBOY GRILLE WITH TANNER BARTH

How’d you get your start in rodeo? Colt: My dad, Andy Eck, is a pickup man. So, I just kind of grew up in rodeo. I feel like I went everywhere with him when he was picking up rodeos in Kansas and Oklahoma. It’s definitely something that’s in my blood with both my mom and dad rodeoing as well. When did you know you could make a career out of the sport of rodeo? Colt: I’ve always known it was something I wanted to do as a career. But in the past two years, I guess you could say I have really surrounded myself with the people that are doing exactly what I want to do. That has really helped me. Why did you decide bareback riding would be your event? Colt Eck, 22, is in his final semester of college at Missouri Valley College in Marshall. The Redfield, Kan., native purchased his PRCA card in October at the beginning of the 2024 ProRodeo season. In 2023, while competing on his permit, Eck claimed the bareback riding title at the Heart Of The North Rodeo in Spooner, Wis., with an 88.5-point ride on Universal Pro Rodeos’ Trooper. He earned $3,082 for the rodeo win.

COLT ECK

Colt: My dad rode bareback horses as well, so that definitely played a part in it. I got on a couple saddle bronc horses and figured out that it wasn’t really my thing. I just really love the rush that the bareback riding gives me. Who’s someone you look up to in the sport of rodeo? Colt: I would say I look up to Jess Pope right now and Jeff Collins are probably the two I most look up to. I also give a lot of credit to Coach Mason (at Missouri Valley College) as well for getting me to this point. What’s one rodeo you want to win before your career is over? Colt: It would definitely have to be the Cheyenne Frontier Days. There is so much history there and it’s the Daddy of ‘em All. What are you hoping to learn during your Resistol Rookie season? Colt: You could say just continuing to learn how to rodeo full time. I rodeoed most of the summer this past season, but not really during the winter. So, I’m looking forward to going full time in 2024. Why did you decide to buy your PRCA card at this point in your career? Colt: I decided to buy my card this season because I wanted to be toward the end of my schooling but also still young and healthy. My ultimate goal is making the Finals and hopefully this helps me do that. What was your most memorable moment on your permit? Colt: It probably came in Spooner, Wis., last year when I was 88.5 points to win the rodeo. That was a moment I won’t forget. What’s your favorite restaurant? Colt: I would have to say Texas Roadhouse is my favorite. My go-to there is the ribeye steak and some sweet potato fries. Do you have a favorite sports team? Colt: I’m a big wrestler. So, I like the Oklahoma State wrestling team quite a bit. Do you have a favorite candy? Colt: I would have to go with a Milky Way. I like anything chocolate really if we are being honest. What was the make and model of the first vehicle you drove? Colt: It was a 1996 Toyota Tacoma. It went through all three of us brothers after I had it, so it had a ton of miles on it. What’s your favorite movie? Colt: My favorite movie would have to be Lonesome Dove . I’ve seen that movie countless times at this point. What’s your favorite holiday? Colt: Thanksgiving would be my favorite holiday. I get to be with all of my family, eat good food, and hang out a little bit. What type of music do you like listening to? Colt: I like country music, most of the older stuff is what I really like. Casey Donahew would probably be my favorite artist. What do you enjoy doing in your downtime from rodeo? Colt: I really like breaking colts in my downtime. If I’m not rodeoing, I’m home riding colts for people. I put 30 days of riding on them and then take them to work.

ProRodeo Sports News 1/5/2024

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