ProRodeo Sports News - October 1, 2021

COWBOY GRILLE WITH TANNER BARTH

How’d you get your start in rodeo? Cooper: I’ve been around rodeo most of my life, but when I was growing up, I always seemed to be swinging a rope. I was never really into the bareback riding until maybe my sophomore year of high school, and then it kind of took off for me. When did you know you could make a career out of the sport of rodeo? Cooper: I watched my brother Caleb and I think he proved it to our family, you can make a living out of rodeoing, and he’s helped me along the way. My second year out of high school is when everything started to come together, and I realized I could do this for a living down the road. Why did you decide bareback riding would be your event? Cooper: I think bareback riding gives you that feeling of a rush and excitement for everything you get on. It really gets my blood pumping, and the adrenaline is never not there when you’re doing it. I wouldn’t want to be doing anything else, if I’m being honest with you. What’s this season been like for you? Cooper: It’s been a pretty great season for me, and I feel like I’ve learned a ton this year. I got my (PRCA) card a little later than I should have, I think. But ever since I’ve gotten into the ProRodeos I can’t really complain. I can’t wait to see what next year has in store for me. Who’s someone you look up to in the sport of rodeo? Cooper: The person that I’ve really looked up to is my oldest brother, Caleb. Since I’ve started riding bucking horses, I’ve done nothing but constantly ask him questions. I watch him to see what he’s doing. He’s accomplished so much in this sport and does anything and everything to be the best that he can. He’s always been the No.1 person that I look up to. What’s one rodeo you want to win before your career is over? Cooper: The obvious answer would be the NFR, but other than that I think I’d want to win Pendleton (Ore.) or The American Rodeo in Arlington, Texas. What’s your favorite restaurant? Cooper Bennett, 21, has had quite the start to his ProRodeo career. As of Sept. 28, the bareback rider was sitting second in the PRCA | Resistol Rookie Standings and 30th in the PRCA | RAM World Standings with $30,777. His first win as a PRCA card holder came at the Strawberry Days Rodeo in Pleasant Grove, Utah, June 19. Cooper is the younger brother to eight-time National Finals Rodeo qualifier Caleb Bennett.

COOPER BENNETT

Cooper: I would have to say it’s probably The Pizza Factory in Spanish Fork (Utah). I don’t even get the pizza though, I go with the cajun shrimp pasta. Do you have a favorite candy? Cooper: My favorite has to be peanut butter M&M’s. What’s your go-to movie? Cooper: “Central Intelligence” is probably my favorite movie. The Rock and Kevin Hart are what make that movie great. Do you have a favorite sports team? Cooper: I don’t really follow them closely, but I do enjoy watching the University of Utah Utes. I’ve always liked them. What was the make of your first car? Cooper: The first one I had was a 2000 half-ton two-wheel drive Chevrolet pickup. When you’re not rodeoing what do you enjoy doing for fun? Cooper: When I’m not rodeoing, I like to either go golfing or in the winter I like to go skiing or ice fishing. We get to do more golfing on the road then you would probably think. What’s your favorite TV show or series?

Cooper: I was watching “Longmire” on Netflix and then I finished that. Now, we are onto the “Yellowstone” series. What’s your favorite holiday? Cooper: I’d say Christmas is my favorite holiday. All of your family gets to come together, and it’s nice to hang out with people you haven’t seen in a while. What type of music do you like listening to? Cooper: I listen to just about anything, I don’t know if I have a favorite type of music.

ProRodeo Sports News 10/1/2021

ProRodeo.com

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