PublicationProRodeo Sports News - February 22, 2019

MENTORING

Passing theTorch

Team ropers Dustin Egusquiza, right, and Kory Koontz have 24 years difference in age. Koontz’s experience combined with Egusquiza’s enthusiasm has helped them thrive in competition. PRCA ProRodeo photo by James Phifer

BY MATT NABER H elping fellow competition is a common and important part of keeping the tradition of rodeo going from one generation of cowboys to the next. Seasoned pros often take young, upcoming competitors in their event down the road and show them the ropes, all while competing against them or alongside them. As the newcomers learn the ropes of where to go and how to navigate their way to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, the veterans get a refresher on staying motivated and enjoying the ride. Here’s a look at a few of those veterans who’ve paired up with some younger competitors. Seasoned pros help young guns compete

TEAM ROPERS Dustin Egusquiza. Born: Sept. 19, 1995 Kory Koontz. Born: July 30, 1971 Age difference: 24 years

both years they’ve competed together.

“It’s not about winning first, it’s winning consistently to pay the bills and make the NFR and have a chance to win the world title,” Koontz said. As team ropers, it’s a partnership in the arena. “I don’t think about the age difference much,” Egusquiza said. “We work as a team. It’s not just his way, he asks me what I think about stuff and we talk about it and come to an agreement. “Kory does a lot for me. I’ve entered one rodeo in my life. I called PROCOMwhen

Egusquiza placed 18th in the PRCA | RAM World Standings in team roping heading and won the 2016 PRCA | Resistol Team Roping Heading Rookie of the Year, which sparked 22-time Wrangler NFR qualifier Koontz to reach out to the rising star. “Kory called me, and it was amazing that someone I watched my whole life and on TV, and one of my heroes, called and wanted me to rope with him,” Egusquiza said. “I don’t know if it’s sunk in yet that I rope with him, and we’re going on our third year.” Joining forces has worked well. They’ve qualified for the Wrangler NFR Egusquiza

Koontz

Kory was sitting next to me, but other than that I never had to worry about entering. He has a mental map of it in his mind, all I have to do is look at my email and be there that day.” Koontz also benefits. “There’s a lot he does for me,” Koontz said. “Roping with someone so

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