ProRodeo Sports News - July 24, 2020

COWBOY GRILLE WITH AMBER BAILLIE

Did you compete in any events? George: When I got my PRCA card in 1971, I rode bulls, bareback horses and tie-down roped. I competed from 1971 to 1980. Did you grow up in a rodeo family? George: My dad team roped and went to amateur rodeos and jackpots. I learned how to rope from families in Pueblo (Colo.) and in Whitmore (Colo.). Every day I would ride my horse there to rope. I competed at Little Britches rodeos, amateur rodeos, high school rodeos and did pretty well. I received a college scholarship for rodeo and then got my PRCA card. How did you become a ProRodeo judge? George: In Belt, Mont., I walked up to secretary (Liz Kesler) and told her I had a doctor’s release after dislocating my shoulder. She said, “Perfect, we need a judge.” That was the first time I worked as a judge and didn’t do badly. In 1981, I got hired as one of eight judges to work for the PRCA as a Wrangler Pro Official. What’s the neatest aspect of the job? George: You’re outdoors and it’s not the same thing every day. You don’t know what is going to happen. I’ve seen a lot, and what amazes me is that I still see things happen at rodeos that I haven’t seen before. What’s the biggest challenge in the role? For 40 years, George Gibbs has worked as a ProRodeo judge, traveling to about 25 rodeos every year. He’s also served as a Pro Official at the National Finals Rodeo 38 times. Although Gibbs is away from his home in Maxwell, Iowa, for a significant amount of time each season, the 67-year-old said what makes his job fulfilling is the importance of the role and working in an unpredictable and fast-paced setting.

GEORGE GIBBS

George: Knowing the rules so you can implement them properly. You’re challenged every competition on them. I’ve been doing it for so long, I know them well. But it’s still important to double check in the rule book and make sure you understand them correctly. What do you enjoy about the ProRodeo lifestyle? George: You’re not tied down and get to go to a variety of places. What has been a big accomplishment in your career? George: Working 40 years in the same role and still having fun. That’s what keeps me doing it. There are days that aren’t very fun. But I don’t think a lot of people can say they’ve had a job for 40 years and can say it’s fun. What do you like to do when you’re not at a rodeo? George: My wife has barrel horses, I enjoy going with her. She rides daily, and I ride, too. It’s a nice break. Do you like any other sports besides professional rodeo? George: I’m a Denver Broncos fan. I used to live in (Pueblo) Colorado. Do you have a favorite restaurant? George: Either Texas Roadhouse or any good Mexican restaurant. If you could invite anyone for dinner, who would it be? George: Clint Eastwood. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received? George: You have to stay positive. Things sometimes don’t go very well, and you’ve got to hold your head up. You’re going to mess up in judging. And always tell the truth. What do you admire about contestants? George: It’s a tough lifestyle. They pay their entry fees and they’re not home. They’re here one day and then 500 miles away the next day. I can understand not being home because I’m not home very much with my job. What is the significance of a ProRodeo judge? George: We are held to a high standard, and you have to know the rules. You must have integrity, and integrity is built through years of experience. I get tired, but you’ve got to hustle all the time. As soon as you get complacent, things don’t go well. Every ride and every run are highly important to the contestant because that’s their time. What makes you passionate about the sport? George: It’s unique. Your competition is not a team. If you win it, it’s all up to that individual at that given moment. It’s just you against the animal and trying to do the best you can. Sometimes I see great rides and runs that didn’t really get any money, but the guys tried very hard. That’s what it’s all about. What is a goal before you retire? George: I hope to be able to officiate the NFR another time or so because I know I’m getting close to retirement.

ProRodeo Sports News 7/24/2020

ProRodeo.com

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