ProRodeo Sports News - Nov.20, 2020

COWBOY GRILLE WITH TRACY RENCK

Parker Fleet, 20, had a breakout season in 2020 while rodeoing on his PRCA permit. The Axtell, Texas, cowboy earned $14,085 to top the 2020 PRCA | RAM Saddle Bronc Riding Permit Standings. When the 5-foot-10, 160-pound cowboy is not on the PRCA trail, he competes for the Hill College rodeo team in Hillsboro, Texas, just outside of Waco. Fleet has bought his PRCA card and is ready to make a run at the Wrangler NFR in 2021.

After earning just $1,893 in 2018-19 on your permit, what was the reason for your big improvement in 2020? Parker: I think the biggest difference was that I started taking things more seriously. I worked a lot harder and it paid dividends. Being on my permit for three years was great. It helped me get started and build a foundation for myself. What’s it like rodeoing at Hill College? Parker: This is my third year. I went to the College National Finals Rodeo my freshman year in 2019. I will be done with college this spring and I’m getting an associates of science degree. The biggest difference between college rodeoing and ProRodeo is the horses and the caliber of the roughstock. How did you get involved with rodeo? Parker: I’ve always roped and my uncle, Lawson Plemons, qualified for the (Clem McSpadden National Finals Steer Roping) a few times in (2005, 2007 and 2010). In high school, I was a tie-down roper, team roped and steer wrestled. How did you choose saddle bronc riding as your main event?

PARKER FLEET

Parker: One day I told my grandpa (Charles Plemons) I wanted to do it, and he got me a saddle and found some horses to get on. I think I was a freshman in high school – around 14 or 15 years old. After that I was pretty much hooked. What were your big highlights in 2020? Parker: Getting to ride at RodeoHouston. I was actually there and got on my first two and then they shut things down (because of COVID-19) before my third ride. I also earned $3,607 when I split first in Odessa, Texas, in January, which was cool. That got me off to a good start. What are your rodeo plans for 2021? Parker: My goal is to go full time and do my best to make the (NFR). What does 8 seconds feel like to you? Parker: It’s a blast and so much fun. What rodeo do you want to compete at that you have not been to? Parker: I would have to say Pendleton (Ore.). I would love to compete on the grass. It looks so different and somewhere I want to go. Do you have any brothers or sisters? Parker: I have an older brother, Tanner, 22. He rodeos a little bit, but his primary job is as a firefighter. What TV show do you binge watch? Parker: That ’70s Show . What’s your favorite movie? Parker: Step Brothers . That movie is so funny. What’s your favorite restaurant? Parker: Texas Roadhouse. When I’m there I get an 8-ounce sirloin with a shrimp combo and a loaded baked potato. What’s your favorite candy? Parker: Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups What’s your favorite holiday? Parker: I like Thanksgiving. I love the food and spending time with my family. What was your favorite Halloween costume growing up? Parker: One year when I was little, I was the Green Goblin from Spiderman . That was a cool costume. Do you have a favorite non-rodeo athlete? Parker: Conor McGregor. I watched a documentary on him on Netflix, and the drive that man has is crazy, really. What do you do when you’re not rodeoing? Parker: I ride some outside horses for people. I also do odd jobs on the side.

ProRodeo Sports News 11/20/2020 14

WRANGLER NATIONAL FINALS RODEO