Education A Priority For Steer Wrestler Blake Knowles
Bonner Cooper

Austin, Texas, March 16, 2010 – Blake Knowles, son of former National Finals Rodeo (NFR) Saddle Bronc Riding Average Winner and current ProRodeo commentator, Butch Knowles, grew up wanting to follow in his father’s footsteps and ride saddle broncs. However, his father encouraged him to give several events a try, and as a result, Blake decided to compete in all six events in high school. Taking his father’s advice paid off, as Blake soon outgrew the smaller frame often reserved for the roughstock cowboys and quickly began to make a name for himself in steer wrestling. After narrowly missing the NFR in 2008, Blake qualified for his first Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in 2009 and finished 13th in the World Standings.

Knowles is currently sitting in the top 35 in the 2010 World Steer Wrestling Standings and had the fastest run of the night at Rodeo Austin with a time of 4.2 seconds. The 27 year old cowboy could not personify Rodeo Austin’s mission of Promoting Youth Education - Preserving Western Heritage any better. Although Blake grew up dreaming of competing in the NFR, he never let rodeo come before his education.

“Getting a degree was always the first priority,” said the young steer wrestler who has an Associates degree from Walla Walla Community College and a Bachelors degree in Marketing from Eastern Oregon University. “When I had to choose between school and rodeo, I chose school first,” he said. The talented cowboy is already paving the way for a great rodeo career, but feels that his education will ensure success long after his rodeoing days are over.
 

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