2012 ROOKIE OF THE YEAR TAKES ON AUSTIN

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AUSTIN, (Rodeo Austin) – Holding steady in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association’s (PRCA) 2013 world standings is Oregon born and raised, Austin Foss. This Bareback Bronc Riding cowboy recently joined the PRCA and is busy climbing the rankings. After a stellar 2012 that earned him the 21st spot in the world rankings, Foss is focused on 2013 and ready for whatever the upcoming rodeo season has on tap.

When asked why he chose to ride bareback, Foss says it’s because it was just always there and available to him. He loved it from the first time he tried the sport and began competing as a junior in high school. Although he attempted riding bulls, he really enjoyed bareback more – even though it was more challenging for him.

Foss spent those early years of his rodeo career with success as he took home a win in both 2009 and 2010 at the Oregon High School Rodeo Championships; from there he went on to place third in the National High School Finals during his senior year. In college he competed at the College National Finals Rodeo in Casper, Wyoming and placed sixth in 2011 and fifth in 2012. In addition to these accomplishments, he also took home the NIRA Northwest Regional title both years.

Although Foss may be new to the PRCA, he is certainly making a name for himself. “I got my card late in April and didn’t really do much during college. The last three-and-a-half months of the season I really started doing well and it paid off,” said Foss. All this hard work wasn’t overlooked as he was named the 2012 Resistol PRCA Bareback Riding Rookie of the Year.

This year, Foss competed at Rodeo Austin riding bareback on 4 First Class.  “I’m just going to do my best and hope to come out on top,” said Foss in a pre-rodeo interview.

After his ride Saturday night, Foss was pleased with his score of 77, which put him in fifth place, but hopes to do pull a higher score during tonight’s performance. “I did pretty good; hope to get it done right tomorrow night,” said Foss.

For anyone out there who wants to get into rodeo, Foss has a few words of encouragement. “Don’t be afraid to ask questions. A lot of kids are shy and won’t ask for help or for the right equipment. Pursue what you want to do, don’t stop until you reach your goals and then make new ones.” Foss will also be competing in the Super Shootout on Saturday, March 23rd on Team Pendleton.