ProRodeo Sports News - July 8, 2022

COWBOY GRILLE WITH TANNER BARTH

How did you get your start in rodeo? Junior: My family owns a big beef operation down in southern Arizona. So, I grew up around horses and cows my whole life. When I was finally about 10, I asked my dad if he could teach me and that’s kind of how it all started. When did you know you could make a career out of rodeo? Junior: I had a gentleman by the name of George Aros, who is a legend down here in Arizona, tell me when I was a teenager that I could take my roping as far as I wanted it to go. I think that’s when I realized I could do this rodeo thing as a career if I worked at it. What do you like most about rodeo? Junior: I think making all the planning work and getting to go to as many places as possible rodeoing is probably my favorite part. I love traveling and being able to compete against the best. Why did you decide team roping would be your event? Junior: I wanted to be a bull rider when I first started out in rodeo. Then one day when I was about 11 or 12, I got trampled and from that point on I was pretty much over it. I decided I wanted to try the other end of the arena instead. Why did you decide to get your PRCA card this year? Junior Zambrano, 23, is beginning to make his mark in the team roping world. The Nogales, Ariz., heeler sits second in the Resistol Rookie of the Year race with $17,152. His season picked up steam when he captured the title with header Josh Siggins at the La Fiesta De Los Vaqueros in Tucson, Ariz. in February. It was the first NFR Playoff Series win of his ProRodeo career.

JUNIOR ZAMBRANO

Junior: Things had finally just started working out for me I guess you could say. I rodeoed on my permit for a couple years while I was in college. Then I really had the craving to rodeo full-time and finally got my financials and horses where I wanted them to be. So, I thought what better time than now. Who is someone you look up to in the rodeo business right now? Junior: George (Aros) was really one of the first people who went out of his way to help me with my roping game. So, I owe a lot to him. Cesar de la Cruz is another guy who I look up to, I can always call

him if I ever have a question or need help with something. What’s one rodeo you want to win in your career?

Junior: Before we won Tucson (Ariz.) earlier this year I probably would’ve said that one because it’s my hometown rodeo. Now, I’d probably have to say Prescott (Ariz.). Winning one of the major rodeos would be pretty cool too. What is your favorite movie? Junior: The first one that popped into my head is The Shawshank Redemption . I like an action movie with a good story behind it. What’s your favorite candy? Junior: I’ve definitely been on the Butterfinger kick lately. Those are my go-to right now. What is the first vehicle you drove? Junior: I think my dad had me in a 1997 Ford F-250 when I first started driving. What do you enjoy doing when you’re not rodeoing?

Junior: I have cattle of my own at home now, so I like to tend to them in my downtime. Then, I also like to train outside horses when I can. I like to try to keep my head in the game as much as possible. What’s your favorite holiday? Junior: I would have to say probably Christmas. Everyone gets to come together and there’s no bad vibes allowed. What was your favorite cartoon growing up? Junior: I didn’t watch a ton of TV growing up, but I’d probably have to say the original Looney Tunes was probably my favorite. What type of music do you like listening to? Junior: I listen to a little bit of everything. Hip-hop and rap is probably what I listen to the most. I also like old school country, I’m not much of a new age country music kind of guy.

ProRodeo Sports News 7/8/2022

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