ProRodeo Sports News - August 24, 2018

GRILLE COWBOY

JAMES “TY” ARNOLD, 22, got some valuable experience his first year of competing on his PRCA card, roping with veteran header Charly Crawford. Because of it, Arnold topped the PRCA | Resistol TeamRoping Heeler Rookie Standings with $23,478 as of Aug. 20. The Midway, Texas, cowboy competes for SamHouston State University on a rodeo scholarship, studying agricultural business and science. Arnold attributes his success to family and rodeo mentors.

WITH AMBE BAILLIE PSN

How did you start team roping? Ty: I started when I was little, my dad and uncle introduced me to it. My entire family enjoys rodeo and horses. We live in a good spot in Madisonville (Texas) near (team ropers) Justin Davis and Colby Lovell, who’ve helped me. I also went to a few Clay O’Brien Cooper roping schools. When I was 12, I lost a thumb from roping, but I’m left-handed (for everything else), so it didn’t mess up anything. I just hold the rope differently, between my pointer and middle fingers, the same way (team roping header) Bubba Buckaloo holds it. Do you enjoy heeling more than heading? Ty: I started out heading because naturally, it’s easier for a kid. But I always wanted to heel – I’d head for a week and then go back to heeling. I’ve worked hard at heeling and have continued to get better at it. Why did you buy your PRCA card? Ty: After roping throughout high school, I was able to get a full-ride scholarship to a junior college in Wharton, Texas, and then received another full-ride at Sam Houston State University (in Huntsville, Texas). I have a passion for team roping and thought I might be good enough for ProRodeo. I figured I should go as far with it as I can before trying something else. How do you balance rodeo and school? Ty: Luckily, I’ve been able to do well enough in rodeo that I haven’t had to get a job, and my mom has helped me out tremendously with my studies. I try to schedule classes in the morning and be done by lunch so that later in the day, after it’s cooled down, I can rope for 2-3 hours. How did you partner up with nine-time NFR qualifier Charly Crawford? Ty: (Team roping heeler) Wesley Thorp texted me and told me he (Crawford) needed a partner. We started practicing together, went to rodeos nearby, and it ended up working out. Charly is one of the best headers out there. He knows all the aspects of team roping and where to set your goals. What would you like to improve on? Ty: I need to work on my position. I’ve been getting help from (Wrangler National Finals Rodeo team roping heeler) Joseph Harrison on knowing where to put myself to do the best job that I can, and every rodeo is a little different. How are you feeling about the season?

Ty: I wish I could have done better … but it’s not over yet. The next rodeos I’m competing at are in Kansas and then I’m going to two in Oklahoma and roping with my college partner Mason Thatcher. Then, I’ll finish the year competing with Colby Lovell. Has switching partners been a good thing? Ty: Charly is in the Northwest, and I’m about to start my last semester of school, so I’m competing at rodeos close to home. It’s been OK to switch because they’re guys I’ve roped with before. I want to make sure I do good at the rest of the rodeos I’ll be competing at. Who has been the biggest influence in your life?

Ty: My dad (pictured second from right). He’s always kept me on good horses, and whatever I’ve needed, he’s had for me. He works hard every day to provide for our family, allowing us to do what we love. He’s helped me stay mentally

strong and good with the Lord. It’s easy to stay motivated when you have someone in your life who helps you in every way you need them.

What is a guilty pleasure for you? Ty: My mom gets on to me for drinking Red Bull. It’s nice to have it at night when you’re driving, but she doesn’t like it. Outside of rodeo, what do you like to do for fun? Ty: I like to hunt hogs. My granddad has a bunch of dogs, and we like to go together. I enjoy the sport of it, getting to go and have fun with my family. What’s your favorite thing to spend money on? Ty: Ropes and tack. I enjoy getting new stuff and putting it on my horse. What’s something important to know about team roping?

Ty: Team roping is a very humbling sport. When you think you’ve got it figured out there’s always something you can work on and improve. Do you plan on using your college degree? Ty: I’m not sure. Besides rodeo, I want to raise cows and have my own ranch one day.

TY ARNOLD

ProRodeo Sports News 8/24/2018

ProRodeo.com

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