ProRodeo Sports News - May 13, 2022

COWBOY GRILLE WITH TANNER BARTH

How’d you get your start in rodeo? Tom: I’m from northwest Missouri and my family has had a ranch up there my whole life. My grandpa started it back in the 1960s. My mom, my dad, and my sister, we all rope. So, I just grew up doing it and it’s something I’ve always loved doing. When did you know you could make a career out of the sport of rodeo? Tom: There was a big (tie-down) roping in Gillette, (Wyo.) when I was a freshman in high school, and I ended up taking third. There were a bunch of NFR qualifiers and guys I really looked up to there. I won third and I thought you know maybe I can rope with these guys someday. Why did you decide tie-down roping would be your event? Tom: My dad ropes calves and my mom and sister breakaway rope. So, we have just always roped calves and I never really got into any of the other rodeo events. Who’s someone you look up to in the sport of rodeo? Tom: First and foremost, I really look up to my dad. A couple other people I look up to and like to watch are Troy and Riley Pruitt. They do things the right way. I’m traveling a little bit with Cooper Martin, and he’s been a big help as well. What’s one rodeo you want to win before your career is over? Tom: One rodeo I’d really like to win is Kansas City, Mo., where they hold the American Royal Rodeo. It’s about an hour from where I’m from, so it’s kind of my hometown rodeo. That’s one I’d love to win someday. What have you learned during your rookie season? Tom: I think I’ve learned that you can’t get caught up in watching other people and what they do. You just have to go out there and make your own run. If it works, it works and not try to rope like anyone else. It needs to be the same runs you make at the house that you make at the rodeo. Why did you decide to buy your PRCA card at this point in your career? Tom Crouse, 20, is making his name known in the sport of ProRodeo. The Gallatin, Mo., tie-down roper, is coming off a first-place finish at the Cowboy Channel Rookie Roundup presented by Resistol. He is currently sitting sixth in the running for the Rookie of the Year honor after taking home the average title earlier this season at the RAM Great Lakes Circuit Finals Rodeo.

TOM CROUSE

Tom: I wasn’t going to even buy my card this year, but I won a bunch of money at the (Great Lakes) Circuit Finals Rodeo and then had a good fall. So, I thought why not, financially I was in a great spot to give it a go. What’s your favorite restaurant? Tom: I don’t really have a favorite restaurant per se, but I love cajun food. They don’t have anything like that at home. Do you have a favorite sports team? Tom: I’m a huge fan of the Missouri Tigers. They aren’t great, but I still enjoy following them regardless. Do you have a favorite candy? Tom: I’m not a big candy guy, but if I had to pick one it would probably be Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. What was the make of your first car? Tom: The first vehicle I drove was a 2001 GMC. It was an old feed truck that we had around the house. What’s your favorite TV show or series? Tom: I like watching King of the Hill when I can, it’s a pretty hilarious show. What’s your favorite holiday? Tom: I’d have to say Christmas is probably my favorite holiday. For the Crouse family that’s when you have to be there. What type of music do you like listening to? Tom: Country music is definitely my go to. Fred Eaglesmith is a guy I like listening to. What do you enjoy doing in your downtime from rodeo? Tom: Cooper (Martin) has got me into playing basketball right now. So, when we aren’t busy, we like to play a little basketball, even though I’m not good at all.

ProRodeo Sports News 5/13/2022

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