ProRodeo Sports News - March 8, 2019

BLAKE ASH

RAM NCFR WHEN: March 21-24

SCHEDULE: March 21, 1 p.m. (ET) and 7:30 p.m.; March 22, 1 p.m.; March 23, 1 p.m.; championship performance March 24, 1 p.m. WHERE: Silver Spurs Arena, Kissimmee, Fla. WHAT’S AT STAKE: A chance for contestants to become national circuit champions and have the money they earn count toward the PRCA | RAM World Standings.

down the PRCA trail his talent will blossom. “He finally got a horse he could haul and dang-sure win on,” Sechrist said. “He ropes smart and he doesn’t make mistakes. He also doesn’t let nerves get to him. He’s real laid back and calm and goes about his business. I roped with him before college and in college and in the PRCA, and he always took my money. I honestly think he has the talent to make the NFR.” Sechrist is traveling with Ash to compete in the RAMNCFR after winning the year-end crown in the Prairie Circuit. Cooper, a five-time qualifier for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (2004, 2007, 2010-11, 2014) praised Ash. “He’s a really, really great hand with a horse who hasn’t had a chance to feature his talent,” Cooper said. “If he would give it one effort all year long I think he has the talent to make the NFR. He’s just shown flashes of his talent because he’s never been able to get out here on the road and give it 100 percent. He’s just a great guy to be around because he always has a good attitude.” RODEO INTRODUCTION Blake Ash was introduced to the sport of rodeo through his father, Gregg. The elder Ash competed in the Great Lakes Circuit Finals Rodeo as a

tie-down roper. “I followed in my dad’s footsteps,” said Ash, who bought his PRCA card in 2009. “The first two years I rodeoed with my dad quite a bit. It was pretty neat to get to travel and compete with him.” Ash has earned $158,359 in his career with his best years coming in 2018 and 2015 ($21,408). When Ash isn’t rodeoing, he travels back and forth to help run Gold Buckle Insurance in Alva, Okla., a company he is a partner in. The company was purchased Aug. 15. “I feel like I’m roping better than I ever have, and that’s because of discipline more than anything,” Ash said. “I’m learning how to do things better. I know it would be a dream come true if I could make the NFR.”

Blake Ash, wearing a white hat and black shirt, takes part in the ribbon cutting at Gold Buckle Insurance in Alva, Okla., a company he is a partner in. The company was purchased Aug. 15. Photo courtesy Blake Ash

ProRodeo Sports News 3/8/2019

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