ProRodeo Sports News - July 28, 2023

COWBOY GRILLE WITH TANNER BARTH

Cannon Cravens, 23, has set the ProRodeo world on fire in his first season of competition. The Porum, Okla., bull rider sits 41st in the PRCA | RAM World Standings and sixth in the running for the Resis tol Rookie of the Year with $35,813 earned in 2023. His biggest win this season came at the Cody (Wyo.) Stampede Xtreme Bulls on June 30, with an 88-point ride on Frontier Rodeo’s Jester. The eight second ride earned him $11,633.

CANNON CRAVENS

How’d you get your start in rodeo? Cannon: My dad would get on a few bulls back in his younger days and my grandpa rode horses, but for me I started getting on sheep when I was like three years old. My dad just kept taking me and taking me. Finally, I got to where I could stay on them pretty good. When did you know you could make a career out of the sport of rodeo?

Cannon: When I was 15 or 16, I won about $50,000 riding that summer around the house. That was probably about when I thought I could do it professionally. I couldn’t wait to be 18, so I could win some real money. It kind of kicked off from there. Why did you decide bull riding would be your event? Cannon: I just really fell in love with the thrill from it. It’s a feeling you really can’t describe unless you do it and find out for yourself. There’s really no feeling like conquering a beast like that. Did you do any other rodeo events growing up? Cannon: I’ve rode a lot of bareback horses in my life. Half of the buckles I have at home are probably from bareback riding. Then I finally got to a point where I was scared of those big horses, but not bulls for some reason. What’s this season been like for you? Cannon: It’s been great so far. I kind of got a late start to the season because I was sitting here around the house not doing much. I couldn’t get myself bought in to going full time. Once I was dedicated to go, I’ve been tearing them up. I’ve had the most fun I’ve had in my career going to these rodeos. Why did you decide to buy your PRCA card this season? Cannon: I had a couple of buddies riding bulls in the PRCA, and I got tired of watching them get on all the good bulls. I finally just decided to buy my card, take off, and see what I could get done out here. What’s one rodeo you want to win in your career? Cannon: I would really like to win Pendleton (Ore.) this year. That rodeo looks like a ton of fun and more cowboy than a lot of the other ones we get to go to. Who’s someone you look up to in the sport of rodeo? Cannon: I look up to guys like JB Mauney because of the all the records he’s broken throughout his career and how he handles himself. He gives it his all every single time and has no quit. What’s your favorite candy? Cannon: I’m a pretty big fan of Sour Patch Kids. What’s your go-to restaurant when you’re out on the road? Cannon: Any Mexican food restaurant that I see, we usually have to stop and try it out. Beef enchiladas are usually my go to. What’s your go-to movie? Cannon: 8 Seconds would probably have to be my favorite movie. I wish I even knew how many times I’ve watched that movie in my life.

What was the make and model of the first vehicle you drove? Cannon: I had a 2016 Chevrolet Camaro that I drove to a lot of rodeos around the house.

When you’re not rodeoing what do you enjoy doing for fun? Cannon: My buddies and I like to play golf quite a bit when we get some down time on the road. We will try to play a round just about anywhere to kill some time. What’s your favorite holiday? Cannon: I would have to go with Christmas because all our family gets to come together to celebrate. What type of music do you like listening to? Cannon: I’m a big fan of old classic rock music, just about any of it.

ProRodeo Sports News 7/28/2023

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