luke branquinho - ERA Elite Rodeo Athletes
Transcription
luke branquinho - ERA Elite Rodeo Athletes
ON FOX SPORTS 1 & 2 CHAMPIONSHIP RACE TO DALLAS ERARODEO.COM LUKE BRANQUINHO • • • • • • • • Steer Wrestler Hometown - Los Alamos, CA Height: 6’0 Weight: 235 lbs. Years Pro: 15 years World Titles: 5 Website: www.lukebranquinho.net Social Media: Facebook: Luke Branquinho Twitter: @lukebranquinho | Instagram: @lukebranquinho Luke Branquinho, Five-time World Champion and ERA Steer Wrestler, has competed professionally for 15 years. When asked what he is most looking forward to in regards of an ERA event he said, “The ERA will be fast paced, and the top stock will be at every rodeo. Fans will not have to wonder who ended up winning the rodeo because there will be a champion named each day.” He calls Los Alamos, California home with his wife, Lindsay, and their two children. They are expecting a third child in September. When Luke is not out on the road, he enjoys training horses, fishing, hunting and playing golf with his boys. One thing you might not know about Luke is that he is a Type 1 diabetic. Luke says, “The most challenging part about rodeo is being diabetic and trying to eat healthy out on the road.” While working to maintain his health, Luke continues to be strong and stay at the top of the leaderboard. The ERA will be fast paced, and the top stock will be at every rodeo. Fans will not have to wonder who ended up winning the rodeo because there will be a champion named each day. - LUKE BRANQUINHO LUKE BRANQUINHO Q&A Q: What do you want the fans to know most about ERA? A: The ERA will be exciting for everyone, but especially for the fans. The ERA will showcase the same elite athletes at every rodeo. The events will be consistently high in quality and very entertaining. The ERA will mostly benefit the future rodeo athletes; who are just getting started. Q: What excites you most about the sport? A: I enjoy seeing the physical effort contestants put out to win. Also, being one with an animal, when competing, is a great feeling. Q: What does practice look like for you? A: I practice as if I am at a rodeo. I don’t want my horse to work good on the third one, I want him to work good on the first one and on each and every steer I run. Just like at a rodeo you only have one run to make. You don’t get a second chance, so I try to be perfect on each run. ON FOX SPORTS 1 & 2 CHAMPIONSHIP RACE TO DALLAS ERARODEO.COM TREVOR BRAZILE • • • • • • • • Tie-Down Roping, Team Roping, Steer Roping Hometown - Decatur, TX Height: 5’11 Weight: 170 lbs. Years Pro: 19 years World Titles: 21 Website: www.trevorbrazile.com Social Media: Facebook: Trevor Brazile Twitter: @TrevorBrazile | Twitter: @Be_relentless Instagram: @trevor_brazile_ | Linkedin: Trevor Brazile - berelentless.com Trevor Brazile, 21-time World Champion Cowboy and ERA Board Member, has competed professionally for 19 years. He competes in the Tie-Down Roping, Team Roping, and Steer Roping. Originally from Amarillo, Texas, Trevor now lives in Decatur, Texas with his wife, Shada, and their two children. They are expecting a little girl in September 2015. Brazile serves as an ERA Board Member and is heavily involved in ERA’s direction. “By introducing a unique concept like the ERA, it is our hope to increase the awareness of the sport of rodeo on a national stage. Enhancing the sport of professional rodeo, and building something greater for the future generations of rodeo cowboys and cowgirls, is the goal of the ERA. We look forward to working with the entire rodeo industry.” I’m proud as a native Texan to have this world class event in Dallas, close to where I grew up. I am excited for the many opportunities having our World Championships in Dallas will provide for fans, athletes and sponsors. - TREVOR BRAZILE Brazile, and the other board members knew if they were going to take rodeo to the next level, the ERA World Championship event needed to be in a city known for its pioneering spirit, sports properties and tourism. “I’m proud as a native Texan to have this world class event in Dallas, close to where I grew up. I am excited for the many opportunities having our World Championships in Dallas will provide for fans, athletes and sponsors.” Brazile went on to say, “With the ERA, rodeo will finally have a modern day professional sports property. We hope that this ‘league of champions’ will be a new legacy for the sport of rodeo and all its future contestants.” When asked about the partnership with Fox Sports and what it will mean for fans, he said, “Fans will be able to consistently see their favorite cowboys and cowgirls on Fox Sports, during the regular season. They don’t just get to watch a culmination, but the entire journey.” Trevor Brazile is considered the face of rodeo. He is the most decorated cowboy in rodeo history and has won more money than any other cowboy in the sport of rodeo. He is the first cowboy to cross the $3 million threshold in career earnings and has been inducted into the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame. When asked what he loves most about his career he said, “There’s better ways to make a living, but there’s probably no better way to live.” TREVOR BRAZILE Q&A Q: What do you want the fans to know most about ERA? A: We will not know what rodeo’s full potential is until we bring something to the public that gives rodeo a chance to be a real sports property. I don’t think rodeo has ever known it’s full potential, and that is what we are out there trying to do. Our goal is to make the sport thrive and not decline. Q: Tell us about the Fox Sports television partnership and why it is important? A: It is important for fans, sponsors and future generations of cowboys to bring rodeo to a platform that showcases the elite athlete’s talents on a national stage. Q: What motivates you? A: The opportunity to make a living doing what I love to do motivates me. That is what gets me up and working, because I know that I’m truly blessed to be able to make a living doing something I’m passionate about. ON FOX SPORTS 1 & 2 CHAMPIONSHIP RACE TO DALLAS ERARODEO.COM TUF COOPER • • • • • • • • Tie-Down Roper Hometown - Decatur, TX Height: 5’11 Weight: 160 lbs. Years Pro: 7 years World Titles: 3 Website: www.tufcooperfanclub.com Social Media: Facebook: Tuf Cooper Official Fan Page Twitter: @tufcooper | Instagram: @tufcooper Tuf Cooper, Three-time World Champion and ERA Tie-Down Roper, he has competed professionally for seven years. Tuf is a fan favorite in the rodeo world known for his positive attitude and encouraging words. He wants the fans to know that there will be more fan interaction at the ERA events. He said, “I want to meet fans before and after the rodeo, sign autographs, and take pictures. I love hanging out with rodeo fans because they are the best!” He is single and lives in Decatur, Texas. He is the son of eight-time World Champion Tie-Down Roper, Roy Cooper. When asked what he likes to do for fun he said, “I truly believe you can have fun doing anything you want. It is all attitude and mindset. It is amazing if you change your mindset how everyday things can become fun.” The ERA is a ‘League of Champions,’ which means at every ERA event fans will be able to see all of the top athletes and top stock. The top athletes will be going head-to-head in the arena during each rodeo. An ERA rodeo is going to be an awesome event to come and see. - TUF COOPER Growing up in the Cooper household, Tuf was destined to be a World Champion. It has been said that the new generation of Tie-Down ropers started with Tuf Cooper. Most veteran ERA athletes believe that Tuf’s generation will be the future of rodeo and the future of the ERA. When asked what excites him most about the ERA he said, “The ERA is a ‘League of Champions,’ which means at every ERA event fans will be able to see all of the top athletes and top stock. The top athletes will be going head-to-head in the arena, during each rodeo. An ERA rodeo is going to be an awesome event to come and see.” TUF COOPER Q&A Q: Being a Cooper did you always feel destined to be a tie-down roper? A: This is exactly what I was born to do. I had an option to grow up and be whatever I wanted to be, but I wanted to be just like my brothers, Dad and Uncle. I wanted to be down in the arena while they were practicing, because that’s where all the action was. I have probably had the best opportunity to be a rodeo cowboy than anybody in history. I have had great support and the best examples of how to make it in the business. All my opportunities are because of who my family is. Q: Who would you say was the most influential role model at the start of your career? A: I’ve spent a lot of time with Trevor (Brazile) over the years, and he has been one of my role models. He does everything right. If you set his ability aside, and just look at him as a person, he is someone I want to emulate. Everything from his personality, attitude, and the ways he cares for his family are better life examples than showing me anything with a rope. Q: What does practice look like for you when you are home? A: At the house there are no days off. I try to give everything I have every day in my practice. It’s all about mindset and the way you approach things. There is a difference between practicing for an hour and going through the motions or practicing specifically to help myself in the arena. For example, I try to work on control, being patient, strong, smooth and aggressive. If I want those things the practice pen, then when I show up at the rodeo and back in the box, that control, patience, strength, smoothness and aggressiveness takes over. ON FOX SPORTS 1 & 2 CHAMPIONSHIP RACE TO DALLAS ERARODEO.COM JADE CORKILL • • • • • • • Team Roper- Heeler Hometown - Fallon, Nevada Height: 6’1 Weight: 215 lbs. Years Pro: 9 years World Titles: 3 Social Media: Facebook: Jade Corkill | Twitter: @JadeCorkill Twitter: @Tryan_Corkill | Instagram: @jadecorkill3x Jade Corkill, three-time World Champion and ERA Team Roper, has competed professionally for nine years. He is looking forward to a new and exciting change in his rodeo career. He says, “I’m really looking forward to the fact that this is going to help the sport we all love grow into something that we’ve not experienced yet. Which will make each ERA event exciting and something new to look forward to. “ Originally from Fallon, Nevada, Jade now calls Stephenville, Texas home with his wife, Haley, and two sons. When Jade is home, he still ropes most of the time, but he also loves spending time with his family and getting away from the stress of rodeo. His oldest son is getting big enough now that he can enjoy playing catch with his dad and doing things together is becoming more fun every day. He loves watching his boys grow up and lives for them. Jade Corkill is considered to be one of the best heelers of all time. He continues to better himself every day in the practice pen. We asked Jade what he does to continue to stay at the top, and he said, “Practice is very important to me. You can never practice too much. I try to throw so many heel loops that it becomes the most natural thing I do.” I’m really looking forward to the fact that this is going to help the sport we all love grow into something that we’ve not experienced yet. - JADE CORKILL JADE CORKILL Q&A Q: What do you want the fans to know most about ERA? A: I want the fans to know that the goal of the ERA is to benefit not only the people who are currently involved, but the ones who are on the way up, and the ones who are just getting started. It will be a system that you earn your way into, instead of us getting to decide if we are a professional or not. Q: What excites you most about the sport? A: I get excited getting to compete against the best ropers in the game. Q: Horses are a vital part to your success on the road. Tell us about your most favorite equine athlete. A: I’ve been as blessed as you can be with horses in my career. Ice cube would probably have to be my favorite. He was the first great horse I owned/rode, and he’s the foundation of why I have everything I have. I bought him when I was 15, and he was 5. It wasn’t looking so good for a while because he was an outlaw and still is a little bit to this day. He is one of the best ones I’ve ever been on, in every type of set up. I rode him at the Fallon Junior Rodeo, high school rodeos and the pro rodeos. I gave him to my dad, and he rides him now. I hope my little boy will get to learn on him. ON FOX SPORTS 1 & 2 CHAMPIONSHIP RACE TO DALLAS ERARODEO.COM KAYCEE FEILD • • • • • • • • Bareback Rider Hometown - Spanish Fork, Utah Height: 5’9 Weight: 170 lbs. Years Pro: 8 years World Titles: 4 Website: www.kayceefeild.com Social Media: Facebook: Kaycee Feild Instagram: @kayceefeild Kaycee Feild, Four-time World Champion and ERA Bareback Rider, Kaycee has competed professionally for eight years. When asked what excites him most about the sport he said,” Getting on the best bucking horses and the camaraderie of the athletes. The best part about the rodeo life is meeting new people who will be friends for a lifetime.” He lives in Spanish Fork, Utah with his wife, Stephanie, and their daughter. His hobbies include snowmobiling and skiing, in the winter, and wakeboarding and surfing, during the summer. He also enjoys hunting, fishing and roping. Not only is Kaycee an incredible athlete, but he is also an outstanding patriot to our country. Every Memorial Day Kaycee visits our troops overseas. “Seeing what our military and their families go through is really humbling and makes you realize how great we have it in the United States! Visiting with our military service members on Memorial Day each year is a heavy experience, — I’ve listened to stories of best friends who were killed or seriously injured. I’ve laughed and cried with them, and I’ve become friends with many of them. I’ve learned something about what it means to be great from all of them. They are our true heroes and champions. No one knows adversity and hardship better than our troops; I’m just blessed to have the opportunity each year to let them know how much we all appreciate their service and sacrifice.” The ERA is an opportunity for cowboys and cowgirls to bring the sport of rodeo in line with other professional sports organizations. This increased exposure will generate even more fans for the sport. - KAYCEE FEILD Not only does this experience impact Kaycee’s life, but he has the opportunity to brighten the lives of these soldiers by putting smiles on their faces and taking the time to visit with them. KAYCEE FEILD Q&A Q: What do you want the fans to know most about ERA? A: The ERA is an opportunity for cowboys and cowgirls to bring the sport of rodeo in line with other professional sports organizations. This increased exposure will generate even more fans for the sport. Q: What do you hope is different about the ERA based on a fan’s perspective? A: I hope the fans gain a full understanding about the sport of rodeo and the cowboy’s full potential as an athlete. Q: What does practice look like for you? A: I use a bucking machine to practice; I don’t get on any horses to prevent the risk of getting hurt. Q: What does your family mean to your success? A: F amily means everything to me. Family is better than winning. ON FOX SPORTS 1 & 2 CHAMPIONSHIP RACE TO DALLAS ERARODEO.COM CHARMAYNE JAMES • • • • • • Barrel Racer Hometown- Boerne, TX Years Pro: Since 1984 World Titles: 11 Website: www.charmaynejames.com Social Media: Facebook: Official Charmayne James Twitter: @CharmayneJames Charmayne James, Eleven-time World Champion and ERA Barrel racer, has competed professionally for thirty years. At 14, she won the title of World Champion Barrel Racer. It was a title that she continued to hold for the next 10 years. Each of the consecutive ten titles was achieved with the same legendary horse – Scamper. With her horse, Cruiser, James won her 11th World Title and is credited as winning more individual world championships than any other woman in professional sports. In 1992, James was inducted into the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame in Fort Worth, Texas. This legendary barrel racer and horsewoman has been heralded by professionals across the world as “one of the greatest horse people of all time.” Due in part to being the all time leading money earner in the sport, first-ever million dollar earner and winner of the most professional barrel racing world titles. Encouraged by her family and friends, at an early age she went against mainstream practices, a decision, which proved successful, and became a trailblazer, and advocate for putting horses first. Throughout her career, Charmaynes’ devotion to her horses was evident. From training the legendary horse, Scamper, herself to bucking the system and seeking out alternative and holistic forms of caring for her horses, Charmayne set herself apart from competitors in more ways than just on the clock. When she felt like her horses were not getting the proper nutrition, she met with vets and created her own all-natural supplement years before supplements became popular. This brilliance to think outside the box and seek answers from leading experts paired with her God-given abilities, fighting spirit and tough resolve lead her to the magical number 11, and current title of 11-Time World Champion, Barrel Racer. ON FOX SPORTS 1 & 2 CHAMPIONSHIP RACE TO DALLAS ERARODEO.COM BOBBY MOTE • • • • • • • • Bareback Rider Hometown - Culver, Oregon Height: 6’0 Weight: 175 lbs. Years Pro: 19 years World Titles: 4 Website: www.bobbymote.com Social Media: Facebook: Bobby Mote Twitter: @BobbyMote | Instagram: @BOBBYMOTE4X Bobby Mote, Four-time World Champion Bareback Rider, has competed professionally for 19 years. When asked what he loves the most about the sport of rodeo he said, “The high level of competition, for the big prize money, excites me about the sport of rodeo.” As a member of the ERA board of directors, he has helped build the framework to bring exactly that scenario to each and every ERA event. Originally from Culver, Oregon, Bobby now calls Stephenville, TX home, with his wife, Kate, and three kids. His hobbies include horse training, roping and fishing. Bobby is also an accomplished team roper and competes at many professional rodeos. Mote tries annually to hold or participate in at least two bareback riding schools to teach future bareback riders the sport he loves, so they can be the future generation of the sport. BOBBY MOTE Q&A The high level of competition, for the big prize money, excites me about the sport of rodeo. - BOBBY MOTE Q: Why do you feel the formation of the Elite Rodeo Athletes is necessary? A: In my nearly 20 years of being involved in rodeo, I’ve had a lot of great experiences, and I’ve also had my share of near death and certainly career ending injuries. The ERA has created a system that will be better for elite rodeo athletes’ family life and finances. Also, by consolidating the number of events contestants compete at, into a meaningful tour, we believe this will extend the life of their careers as well. When we started working on solutions over a year ago, I said that I wanted to see a day when a Professional Rodeo Athlete could have a lucrative career, and end it on his own terms, and finally have something to show for it. Q: How will the ERA impact the rodeo fans? A: This is what I might be the most excited about because I think the rodeo fans will be the biggest winners in this. The ERA tour will provide events like nothing the fans have ever experienced before, bringing only the top professional rodeo athletes to every event and every performance. Today if a fan buys a ticket at their local professional rodeo, they might see a few of the top cowboys in each event during the performance. At ERA rodeos, we can guarantee the fans that they will see the top rodeo athletes every time. Q: H ow do you think professional rodeo compares to other professional sports organizations? What is your vision for the future of professional rodeo? A: If you look at any professional sport you will see that they were built on the stars of their sport. Because of the popularity and value of those professional athletes, more rising stars will be on the field, court or gym every day trying to make their skills good enough to go pro. Will they all make the “big leagues?” No, but look at how many kids are attempting it, how many are dreaming about it, how many are participating in those sports. We hope that rodeo will see the same benefits. Rodeo needs to see the growth that other professional sports have seen. The only way that the sport of rodeo will expand overall is having a true professional league that highlights the strongest athletes. The ERA wants to see rodeo grow to the level of other professional sports, and I feel that it’s up to the stars of today to take the lead to provide a better career for the stars of tomorrow. The ERA will provide future contestants more opportunities for their families, finances, while extending the life of their careers by requiring less wear and tear on their bodies. ON FOX SPORTS 1 & 2 CHAMPIONSHIP RACE TO DALLAS ERARODEO.COM WADE SUNDELL • • • • • Saddle Bronc Hometown - Boxholm, Iowa Height: 5’8 Weight: 150 lbs. Years Pro: 8 years Wade Sundell, ERA Saddle Bronc Rider, has competed professionally for eight years. Everybody knows that Wade is the life of the party, and he is excited to present that fun side to the fans at the ERA events. Wade said, “I am looking forward to drawing stock that will benefit the event and the cowboy. It will make for a much more fun and interesting show from the fans’ perspective.” Wade’s full throttle attitude is evident in both his personal and professional life. He says, “If you’re not living life on the edge, you’re taking up too much space!” Originally from Boxholm, Iowa, Wade now lives in Coleman, Oklahoma. His hobbies include bow hunting, fishing and team roping. He really enjoys catching fathead and catfish. I am looking forward to drawing stock that will benefit the event and the cowboy.It will make for a much more fun and interesting show from the fans’ perspective. - WADE SUNDELL WADE SUNDELL Q&A Q: What excites you about the sport? A: You never know what might happen. You can’t control 1200 pounds! Everything has to fall into place, in order to make it happen. Q: Tell us about your rookie year and any advice you have for those just starting out? A: My rookie year I started off in the bull riding. I switched to broncs after just 15 rides on a bull. Q: Tell us about your most challenging moment in rodeo. A: It is challenging when you have to focus on staying healthy and positive. There are so many ups and downs in rodeo. It is difficult to stay upbeat all the time. Q: Horses are a vital part to your success on the road. Tell us about your most favorite equine athlete. A: That would have to be Lynx Mountain, from the Calgary Stampede. You can really show off on that horse, and put on a show. He is such a fun horse to ride. ON FOX SPORTS 1 & 2 CHAMPIONSHIP RACE TO DALLAS ERARODEO.COM FALLON TAYLOR • • • • • • Barrel Racer Hometown - Collinsville, TX Years Pro: 25 years World Titles: 1 Website: www.fallontaylor.com Social Media: Facebook: Fallon Taylor & Babyflo Facebook: Fallon Taylor | Twitter: @FallonTaylor3 Instagram: @FallonTaylor2 Fallon Taylor, World Champion and ERA Barrel Racer, has competed professionally for 25 years. When asked what she wants the fans to know most about the ERA she said, “The ERA is for the fans. We are excited to bring a rodeo where fans will know who will be there way in advance, and we can do appearances in the town to get to know everyone.” She lives in Collinsville, Texas with her husband, NFL player, Delbert Alvarado. Her hobbies include modeling, working at Dynasty Equine, playing board games and going to the movies. With her energetic personality, funky outfits and positive attitude, it’s not surprising that Fallon is a fan favorite to watch compete. When asked about the ERA she said, ”All of your favorite contestants will compete at every rodeo, against each other. The model is that we will be in your town where we will get to visit with the fans. I want to come and do clinics and visit the local feed stores and all that kind of fun stuff that I don’t get to do right now.” Fallon looks forward to what the ERA has to offer, not only for her, but for the fans too. Now it is time to take rodeo to the next level, and for the fans to get to see rodeo the way it was meant to be seen… as a huge production, in a place they can all get to and know that all the top athletes are going to be there that night. - FALLON TAYLOR FALLON TAYLOR Q&A Q: How did this group of founding athletes decide to put ERA together? A: I think it’s been much needed for a long time --- something different for rodeo and the next generation. Now it is time to take rodeo to the next level, and for the fans to get to see rodeo the way it was meant to be seen … as a huge production, in a place they can all get to and know that all the top athletes are going to be there that night. Q: How did you get your start? A: I saw rodeo on television and with the help of my rockstar parents, I was given the chance to try it. Q: What excites you most about the sport? A: E verything! I love the crowd, using my horse to entertain, being crazy with over the top outfits everyday and trying new innovative things to get faster every day. Q: Who was your mentor or role model at the start of your career? A: I adore Fred Whitfield. He was my hero because he was someone who stood out and wasn’t always readily accepted in this industry. Part of me has always been able to identify with him, and I am always star struck every time I get to be in the same room. He is a legend! ON FOX SPORTS 1 & 2 CHAMPIONSHIP RACE TO DALLAS ERARODEO.COM CLAY TRYAN • • • • • • • • Team Roper- Header Hometown - Plentywood, Montana Height: 5’11 Weight: 170 lbs. Years Pro: 17 years World Titles: 3 Website: www.claytryanroping.com Social Media: Twitter: claytryan | Twitter: @Tryan_Corkill Instagram: @claytryanroping Clay Tryan, Three-time World Champion and ERA Team Roper, has competed professionally for 17 years. When asked what he is most excited about the ERA he said, “We are trying to create an elite league just like the NBA, MLB or any of the elite sports where the best guys compete against one another on a nightly basis. The ERA will be more of a professional sport, which will be great for the fans to watch. The entire season will be on Fox Sports, and you can get behind your favorite cowboy or cowgirl, and they will be easy and fun to follow.” Originally from Plentywood, Montana, Clay now lives in Lipan, Texas with his wife, Bobbi, and their three sons. Hobbies include spending time with his three boys. Clay’s sons hope to follow in their dad’s footsteps, as a World Champion Team Roper. In competition, he ropes with ERA athlete, Jade Corkill. Every member in Clay’s family has competed in rodeo professionally. At just 35 years of age, he has been billed as one of the three best headers in the sport of rodeo, along with ERA athletes, Jake Barnes and Speed Williams. “As far as being the best, I say what matters is who roped the best that particular day. I’m trying to prove myself every single day. If I didn’t do well that day, I wasn’t the best. That’s what still drives me.” The ERA will be more of a professional sport, which will be great for the fans to watch. The entire season will be on Fox Sports, and you can get behind your favorite cowboy or cowgirl, and they will be easy and fun to follow. - CLAY TRYAN CLAY TRYAN Q&A Q: Tell us about the ERA? A: It’s a sports league that the best guys in the world formed. We will have great events all across the United States and hopefully put on the best show that’s ever been put on. Q: Why was it important to start the ERA? A: I think anytime the best guys get together, you have great rodeo action. We have always competed against one another, and a lot of us are good friends. We want to compete against each other all the time. I think it will be great for the fans and will create a rodeo product that will be better than has ever been seen before. I think that it will help grow the sport of rodeo even more. Q: From the fans’ point of view, why should they buy a ticket to an ERA event? A: F ans are going to see the best guys compete every night. They are guaranteed to see the best, like Trevor Brazile, Cody Ohl, Tuf Cooper and Jade Corkill. It will be worth the price of admission every time because you know you are going to get a good product and see the best guys compete. Q: Why is the ERA important to the future generation of rodeo? A: E very rodeo kid’s goal is to be a World Champion, and that’s what they are working toward. The ERA will be such a top notch league, that the future generations will have a goal to be an ERA World Champion.