ProRodeo Sports News - September 6, 2019

ProRodeo stars discuss benefits of PRCA membership Pro Perks

BY MATT NABER W hen it’s “go big or go home,” the best way to go big in rodeo is to go pro by joining the PRCA, the only rodeo association that boasts an annual payout in excess of $49 million with more than 650 competitions across North America. Plus, the association boasts a rich and storied history that’s literally where professional rodeo began. A couple of younger competitors have already seen the benefits to being part of ProRodeo and its history. “It’s pretty much given me everything I have in my life,” said bull rider Boudreaux Campbell, 21. “I was able to purchase some land from the money I’ve won throughout the years and at the NFR. I bought 30 acres near my dad’s place in Crockett (Texas), equipment to help at the ranch, and I was able to pay for it all myself through my bull riding in the PRCA.” Campbell is a two-time qualifier for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (2017-18) with nearly $400,000 won since becoming a rookie in 2017. PRCA-sanctioned rodeos in the U.S., Canada and Mexico typically offer bigger payouts than other competitions. “I’ve always wanted to make the NFR, and the PRCA has been around forever,” Campbell said. “And it has all the historical rodeos like Cheyenne (Frontier Days) and Pendleton (Round-Up) – you will remember competing at those for the rest of your life.” The 2019 season had 60 rodeos that added a base purse of $10,000 per event with some offering more than $100,000 per event. “The PRCA provides you with a bunch of opportunities, traveling to different places and learning to strategically plan to make a bunch of different rodeos,” said rookie tie-down roper Haven Meged, 21. Meged is one of the upcoming stars in the sport. He’ll likely be one of a handful of rookies to qualify for the Wrangler NFR this year. “I’ve had a heck of a rookie year so far with $105,000 won, and I wouldn’t have done that in any amateur association,” Meged said. The PRCA offers a buffet of standalone events such as the Xtreme Bulls, Xtreme Broncs and various timed-event competitions. Traveling from one rodeo to the next is a learning experience unlike any other. Figuring out which rodeos to go to and when, booking flights and hotels, coordinating rides and more all go into the process. “You learn a lot of life lessons,” Campbell said. Of course, PRCA cowboys spend the year competing with the $10 millionWrangler NFR in mind. Meged scored his first major win early in his rookie year at the RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo in Kissimmee, Fla., where he collected $22,744. “I got that check and it was crazy, the biggest check I’ve ever had,” Meged said. It’s not just the competitors who are

top tier at PRCA competitions. Contract personnel can be hired to work at PRCA-sanctioned events as an announcer, bullfighter, barrelman, pickup man, secretary and timer. This means everyone involved in the rodeo knows how to make it the best possible competition for the cowboys, animals and fans. It’s common for cowboys to encounter the same competitors and contract personnel at multiple rodeos and eventually form a tight-knit bond. “All of the bull riders are so friendly, we’re like a family,” Campbell said. “We call each other and do stuff together, they’re my rodeo family. I’m with these boys for half the year. That’s more than I’m with my family.” Five-time defending PRCA Bull Riding World Champion Sage Kimzey has witnessed the benefits of competing in the PRCA first-hand. “I started rodeoing professionally when I was 18 and I didn’t know a lot about the world,” Kimzey said. “But now I’ve traveled most of the U.S. and had chances to meet a bunch of really great people. There’s just so much – I can’t even put it into words. It’s not only about riding bulls, but rodeo has definitely given me a future and a life to build around too, and that’s pretty special.” There’s no guarantee that a cowboy will win money, but they can take assurance that the PRCA provides insurance to its members. A successful PRCA career can open doors to sponsorships and other opportunities, as exemplified by past world champions and even rookie competitors. “I have some good sponsors being in the PRCA,” Meged said, noting that he was sponsored by Cinch before finishing his rookie year. “It’s awesome, getting a big sponsor is something everyone dreams of. “The main deal is there’s a bunch of life opportunities with sponsors and meeting new people that could lead to other things later in life,” Meged said. “There are a bunch of things you’ll experience, and I’d encourage everyone to come experience it.” If he wasn’t traveling the continent to compete at the biggest rodeos, Meged speculated that he’d be at home working on the ranch. “I’d be at home checking cows and putting up hay,” Meged said. “The PRCA has given me an opportunity to chase my dream, and it’s a dream I always dreamt about.” HOW TO BECOME PART OF PRORODEO Anyone of legal age in his home state can apply for a PRCA permit, which allows him to enter many of the association’s rodeos that accept contestants who are on their permit. Permit applications are posted at www.prorodeo. org/Portal/Membership/NewMembers/Default.aspx

“I started rodeoing professionally when I was 18 and I didn’t know a lot about the world. . . . It’s not only about riding bulls, but rodeo has definitely given me a future and a life to build around too, and that’s pretty special.” – SAGE KIMZEY, reigning five-time PRCA world champion bull rider

ProRodeo Sports News 9/6/2019

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