ProRodeo Sports News - November 19, 2021

Like Solomon, they relish the idea of mentoring the next generation. Mayfield, who is going to his thirdWrangler NFR, points to the importance of his own role models growing up: his father, Whitfield, and even Solomon, who is 10 years older. “It’s a great thing,” Mayfield said of being approached by young aspiring cowboys. “I know I was one of those kids, going to ropings and watching and wanting to do nothing but rope. “It makes their day to have guys come talk to them,” he continued. “I was in their shoes so if I see a kid (at a rodeo or roping), I always try to stop and help them out.” Douch has the same outlook. “I hope the kids coming up see what we’ve done and think they can do it as well,” Douch said. He doesn’t have to look far to find the next generation: his younger brother Koby won the Texas High School Tie- Down Championship this year as a sophomore. “I have to stay on my game,” he laughed of staying ahead of his little brother while adding that he hopes he will follow him into ProRodeo when he’s old enough. The veteran of the group, Solomon has been in this spotlight for a long time and will be making his eighth appearance at the Finals. Through the time spent and work put into it, he is grateful for where he is now in his career and hopes his example inspires others. “ProRodeo has made my name what it is and to be able to reach out to those kids and maybe them look up to me,” Solomon said. “That’s what it is all about for me. If those kids can look up to me and see me make it or see us make it, I’m just blessed to be part of the whole journey because it is not easy to get to the Finals, I don’t care what color you are.” All three guys talk about being known as good cowboys first and Solomon thinks that is the goal. “For me it doesn’t matter what race you are, a cowboy is a cowboy,” Solomon said. “I think this is good for the history of rodeo and African-Americans to see no matter where you start or where you come from you can make it to the top with hard work, family and great sponsors around you.”

Eight-time NFR qualifier Cory Solomon, finished the season 10th a year ago at the NFR in Arlington, Texas. PRCA ProRodeo photo by Alaina Stangle

After four years in the PRCA John Douch punched his ticket to the NFR this season for the first time, thanks to big wins in Killeen, Texas, and Cave Creek, Ariz. Kay Miller photo

DEC. 2-11, 2021

ProRodeo Sports News 11/19/2021

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