ProRodeo Sports News July 13, 2018

GRILLE COWBOY

For Iowa, La., cowboy ZACK JONGBLOED, rodeo is a way of life. The 19-year-old grew up in the sport, and now he’s leading the PRCA | Resistol Rookie Standings in all-around and steer wrestling, and is fifth in the tie-down roping.

WITH TRACY RENCK PSN

Has your rookie season been everything you expected? Zack: Yes. It has been challenging at some points. I have been able to experience competing in bigger rodeos, which was exciting. I’ve also learned a whole bunch from my traveling partner, Joe Keating (34 years old). Joe and I live close by and rodeoed together around the house. How did you get involved with rodeo? Zack: Through my family. I have two uncles (steer wrestlers) Joey Roberts and Jeff Corbello who made the NFR. I started doing kid rodeos around my house and I just progressed from there. I had a lot of success as I was growing up in rodeo thanks to a lot of hard work. My rodeo mentors have been my uncles. They have been out there just about every practice with me and giving me pointers. It comes in handy having them help me. (Roberts qualified for the Wrangler NFR in 1989 and 1991; Corbello qualified in 1998, 2003 and 2005). What’s your best event, steer wrestling or tie-down roping? Zack: It would be hard for me to choose between the two. They each have their ups and downs, but right now I couldn’t pick a favorite.

What horses are you using for steer wrestling and tie-down roping? Zack: For steer wrestling, I have my bay horse, named Fishhook. He’s 10. I have had him for two years. In tie-down, I have two horses, Roy, 14, and QB, 16. These three horses mean everything to me. You’re only as good as your horse. If you don’t have a good one, you don’t have much of a chance. My horses have done very well this year. What would it mean if you could win rookie of the year in all-around, steer wrestling or tie-down roping? Zack: That would be a great accomplishment. It would be something to check off my bucket list. I’ve been to the NFR as a fan and there’s nothing like it. It would be cool to go there to win rookie of the year. Every bit of my drive right now is to make the NFR. What’s your favorite restaurant? Zack: I would go with Outback. I get prime rib, loaded baked potato and sweet tea to drink. What’s your favorite type of candy? Zack: I like Hershey’s with almonds. As for desserts, I would go with blackberry cobbler with a scoop of ice cream. Are you college rodeoing as well as competing in the PRCA? Zack: Yes. I’m attending McNeese State (in Lake Charles, La., 25 miles from Iowa, La.) and I’m on the rodeo team. I just finished my freshman year. I went to the College National Finals in tie-down roping and steer wrestling, and I was the reserve champion tie-down roper. That was a great accomplishment and a great experience. I will be going to McNeese for three more years, and I plan on getting a business degree. A degree is something no one can ever take away from you. Do you run your own business now?

Zack: Yes. It is called Paradise Fun Jumps. We have bounce houses and we do any type of party. I own this business with a buddy of mine. We’ve owned it for almost a year. The business is going great. We have had a busy summer. I’m glad it is something I’ve started young, so it has the opportunity to grow.

You were a talented high school quarterback, what was that like? Zack: I was a Class 3A all-state quarterback at Iowa High School, and I decided not to play my senior year. My coaches weren’t too happy about the decision I made. I wanted to dedicate more of my time to rodeo. Two of the main things I got out of football were working out and staying in shape. Who is your favorite football player? Zack: (New Orleans Saints quarterback) Drew Brees. I like watching him play. As for college, I’m an LSU fan. I’ve been to a handful of LSU football games, and it is exciting and gets your blood flowing.

Is your family in the crawfish business? Zack: Yes. They own Country Club Crawfish in Lake Charles.

What’s the most crawfish you can eat in one sitting? Zack: Probably anywhere from five to seven pounds. I like the hot crawfish, you have to go big. What do you like to do when you’re not rodeoing? Zack: I like to hunt deer and ducks. I’ve been hunting for as long as I can remember.

How many times have you been to Mardi Gras? Zack: I’ve been three or four times. It’s pretty chaotic and wild. It’s definitely something to experience.

ZACK JONGBLOED

ProRodeo Sports News 7/13/2018

ProRodeo.com

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