ProRodeo Sports News - November 16, 2018

GRILLE COWBOY

Bareback rider LEIGHTON BERRY has battled through injuries the last couple of years. The Weatherford, Texas, cowboy has had success on his permit, earning nearly $10,000. He bought his PRCA card Oct. 5, and now he’s ready to turn some heads while competing in the PRCA full time in the 2019 season.

WITH TRACY RENCK PSN

How have you had to alter your rodeo plans the last couple of years? Leighton: I’m 19 now. Originally my plan was to rodeo on my permit for a full year when I turned 18 and buy my (PRCA) card when I turned 19, except I got hurt and had to have shoulder surgery in July of last year. That knocked me out for six months. I had a horse flip over on me and I tore my right labrum. So, I decided to be smart and rodeo on my permit again before I bought my card. After being sidelined with your injury, what was it like to get to ride again? Leighton: It felt awesome. Things got rolling and I’m absolutely stoked for the (2019 season). My traveling partner for this year is Justin McDaniel (2008 PRCA Bareback Riding World Champion). I feel confident and I’ve been working out every day. I’m in the best shape of my life. The hardest part of being a professional cowboy is just staying healthy. Are you going to college right now? Leighton: Yes. I’m in my second year at Weatherford (Texas) College. I will be finishing my associate degree in kinesiology in the spring. This is my second year on the school’s rodeo team and I plan to qualify for the College National Finals Rodeo. I also do tie-down roping and I’m a team roping heeler in college, but my main event is bareback riding. It’s what I enjoy the most. My goal this year (in the PRCA) is to stick with the bareback riding and focus on winning rookie of the year and making the National Finals Rodeo. Eventually, I would like to win the Linderman Award, but I’d like to really solidify my spot in the bareback riding before doing anything else. Who did you travel with this past summer to PRCA rodeos? Leighton: I traveled with Kaycee Feild, Mason Clements and Tilden Hooper. It was awesome. I learned so much traveling with those guys. It was an honor and a blessing. It helped me step my game up to the next level. How did you get involved with rodeo? Leighton: My dad, Kirby, rodeoed professionally for 15 years, and he was one of the better bareback riders during his time. I fell right into it and started roping when I was young, and I started getting on bareback horses when I was in high school. Do you have any brothers or sisters? Leighton: I have a little sister, Maci, who is 17, and a little brother, Kade, who is 15. When you’re not rodeoing what do you enjoy doing? Leighton: I love working out, more the cross-fit type workouts. I’m a gym rat. I also enjoy going hunting. My favorite type of hunting is elk hunting. What is your favorite movie? Leighton: Lonesome Dove for sure. All I’ve known is being a cowboy, and when I watch that movie I think how cool it is to be a cowboy. What TV show is No. 1 on your list? Leighton: That ’70s Show . That show makes me laugh. What is your favorite restaurant? Leighton: Texas de Brazil. When I’m there, my favorite thing to eat is the prime rib. When you were younger what cartoon did you enjoy watching? Leighton: I would say Popeye . He’s the big, bad, strong man who eats his vegetables and always comes out on top. Who is your favorite musical artist or group?

Leighton: The Red Hot Chili Peppers. My favorite song by them is “Scar Tissue.” I have seen them in concert. I saw them last year in Dallas. It was awesome and the coolest concert I’ve ever been to, hands down. If you were stranded on a desert island what three things would you need to survive? Leighton: I have to go with a long sleeve Wrangler shirt, an axe and a canteen of water. Who is your favorite sports team?

Leighton: The Chicago Bears. Jay Cutler used to be my favorite quarterback and I don’t know why. Ever since I was a kid I have always liked the Bears, and now they are doing well. Would you prefer to bungee jump or ride a roller-coaster? Leighton: I have never bungee jumped, but I would rather do that. I’m not the biggest fan of heights, but I feel like I would be in a better environment to bungee jump than a roller-coaster park.

LEIGHTON BERRY

ProRodeo Sports News 11/16/2018

ProRodeo.com

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