Williscroft targets career in professional rodeo circuit

Mac Olsen
South Peace News

Chris Williscroft has the professional rodeo circuit in mind for a career and he’s quickly building a resume to reach his goal. He and his sister, Kylie, participated in the Canadian Youth Rodeo in Bashaw, Alta., a 90-minute drive south of Edmonton, from Aug. 17-19. He won belt buckles for the saddle bronc and team roping event. He also received a $750 scholarship for the most sportsmanlike cowboy. “I was very honoured to win,” he says. Williscroft went to the Canadian Youth Rodeo program last year for the first time. He participated in bareback, saddle bronc, bull riding and team roping. Williscroft says that the first day of the program is devoted to the health and maintenance of animals. On the second day, the youth get to try mechanical bulls and mechanical horses and practice their roping. They participate in a rodeo on the final day. “You can do anything you want, right from goat tying to bull riding. You can figure out what’s best for you. For me, it’s the saddle bronc, team roping and bareback,” Williscroft says. Mel Highland, Williscroft’s uncle who in the past has participated in bareback, saddle bronc and bull riding, inspired him to get into the rodeo profession. Over the next few years, Williscroft wants to acquire his professional card to compete in professional rodeos, with the goal of riding in front of the hometown crowd in High Prairie. He plans to start in the amateur circuit, then compete with organizations like the Wildrose Rodeo Association and Lakeland Rodeo Association. He can obtain cards from them toward his amateur card. After Williscroft has his amateur card, he can apply for his professional card. At this level, he will be put on probation to accumulate winnings, points and experience. Once he has attained good standing, he can obtain his professional card. Williscroft announces at rodeos. He was the announcer for the High Prairie High School Rodeo at the Elks Pro Rodeo Grounds on Sept. 2. Kylie Williscroft competed in the barrel racing and pole bending at this event, but she did not win any prizes. She comments that the Canadian Youth Rodeo program offers good courses, and she wants to return next summer. She practices barrel racing at home and has been riding horses for a long time.

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