ProRodeo Sports News - May 15, 2020

AWAY FROM THE ARENA

Matt Shiozawa AT HOME WITH ... Amanda Dilworth photo Matt Shiozawa and his wife, Ali (black and white visor), homeschool their daughters during the stay-at-home quarantine because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Daughter Stella dons headphones as her sisters Lorelei (knees up) and Ivory work on laptops.

BY TRACY RENCK W ith PRCA rodeos at a standstill due to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, cowboys have plenty of time on their hands. What have you been doing? Matt: I’ve really been doing a lot of family time. There has been homeschooling going on, and I’ve been encouraging my girls to play tennis and golf. My daughters are out there hitting golf balls and tennis balls. Then, they ride horses. I also have a few real estate endeavors and have been putting attention toward that. I have experience in developing and some building, and I have been able to put more time into that, for one out of necessity and another is there’s a future there. Also, my wife sells horse insurance. What has been your mental approach toward rodeo with this break? Matt: I’m viewing this as a blessing that I’m able to be home. I’ve been able to be home during a time I’m never usually home. As a family man, it is hard to be gone, and my daughters are at the age that I don’t want to have them on the road anymore. I want them to enjoy their life, school and socializing. Who does most of the homeschool teaching, you or your wife? Matt: I come in and say, ‘Hey, how’s it going? OK, good.’ My wife is the one who handles the details. I’m the guy waiting for P.E. to start. We have had a beautiful spring, and I want to get them outside and

This installment of “At Home With …” features Matt Shiozawa, an 11-time National Finals Rodeo qualifier in tie-down roping who has earned more than $2 million in his PRCA career. Shiozawa and his wife, Ali, have been married 13 years. They have three daughters, Stella, 10; Lorelei, 8, and Ivory, 6. They live in Chubbuck, Idaho.

ProRodeo Sports News 5/15/2020

ProRodeo.com

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