Tag Archives: Rodeo

From a Mommas Heart!

 

 

 

From a Mommas Heart

From a Mommas Heart

 

From a Mommas Heart 

 

As a mom of two young adult children I thought it would be very interesting to take a look at what it’s like from a mommas heart to watch her child achieve his dreams. Earlier this week I interviewed Jake Long a 2014 NFR qualified contestant.   Jake is a team roper who is competing at  the NFR this year. Jake’s mom Pam Weatherby is out at Vegas for the finals  cheering her son on.  I was able to interview her and ask her what it’s like to be Jake’s mom and to be there cheering him on and behind the scenes in a mommas eyes.

 

INTERVIEW

 

It’s that time of year again!! The WNFR is upon us. What is it like for you as a momma of one of the qualified NFR contestants (Mr Jake Long), to be out there in all the excitement?

Pam:  It’s just so neat to see Jake fulfill his dreams after all the hard work that he has done. I love taking care of the horses and meeting wonderful people in the rodeo world.

How many years does this make for you all to be out there as participants?

Pam:  This is our 4th year to be out here with Jake.

What is your very first memory of Jake picking up a rope and beginning the many years of fulfilling his purpose and dreams?

Pam:  When Jake was just a toddler he carried around a small piece of rope, wore an old felt hat and he carried it with him everywhere.  Jake has roped in junior rodeos since the age of 6.

Have you found it difficult at times to watch the process of his Dreams becoming reality?

Pam:  No, I haven’t found it difficult to watch good progress he has been his own self teacher at many times he was always had his eyes set on his goals and never took them off.

What’s some key advice you have been able to give him over the years?

Pam: The key advice I used to always give Jake is I would always just tell him have fun and there’s always another roping.

As one mom to another, what advice can you give a mother to help them encourage their child along the path of their goals and dreams?

Pam:  Key advice for other mothers is let your child pick what they want to do if they want to rope that’s fine but if they want to play basketball that’s fine too. But let them fulfill their own dreams not your own dreams do not live though your kid.

Can you share a funny memory that sticks out in your mind of Jake?

Pam:  A funny story on Jake is he is a heck of a barrel racer. He always out ran me on my own horse, but I think doing different events just made a better horseman.

For my last question and probably one of the most important, how has your faith played a role in all of this?

Pam:  My faith has really been tested, I would pray protection,  to have good cattle, and to win good every night.  I would pray and pray. Then finally God said when are you going to let me have control and have faith, and that’s when I finally turned over the reins to the Almighty God.

 

Thank you so much Pam for doing this interview with me.

 

 

 

 Above and Beyond
Dream Catcher 3:20
Cassie Gilman

Interview with Jake Long

Dreams just keep coming true for this rodeo cowboy

Known as Jake Long

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Jake is married to the beautiful Tasha Long and they have two beautiful children.  I have not ever met them personally but I’ve heard such wonderful things about each of them. I have been blessed to get an interview with him. I had the help of his awesome mom, Pam Weatherby.

 

Jake grew up in Coffeyville, Kansas.  In town I am very familiar with, growing up in North East Oklahoma myself. Jake is the son of Crickett Long  and Pam Weatherby.  He began his career roping at Junior rodeo’s in Kansas and Northeast Oklahoma. Jake won his first buckle at the young age of eight years old. He won two horse trailers in 1999 team roping in Guthrie and Pawhuska Oklahoma.  I 2007 Jake  won his first truck. It was a Dodge so you know it was a good one (of course writers opinion).  He won his truck at the Dodge finals in Pocatella, ID.

 

Jake won the Champion Heeler  at the George Strait team roping in San Antonio in 2007  this time he won another nice new shiny truck this one was a Chevy truck and he also won a horse trailer as well as his earnings

 

In 2010 Jake’s dreams just continued coming true.  He was roping with Brady Tryan, of  Huntley, Montana.  They took first in St. Paul, Oregon and Silver City, New Mexico and placed in a lot of other big rodeos.  Jake also became a 2010 WNFR qualified contestant!  Making it a dream come true!

 

It is now 2014 and once again Jake Long as made it back to the National Finals Rodeo.   Jake has answered a few questions for this blog and I hope that you enjoy getting to know a little bit more about him.

 

Thank you Jake Long and Pam Weatherby for helping me get the word out to others that dreams really do come true!!

 

INTERVIEW WITH JAKE LONG 

It’s that time of year again!! It’s the WNFR14! How many years does this make for you as a NFR qualifying contestant Jake?

Jake:  4 years

 

At what age did you know that this was the dream you would follow?

Jake:  As long  as I can remember

 

Who has influenced you the most in your career?

Jake:  Clay O’Brien Cooper, also I have had several friends who help me learn to rope and progress. My family has always been a huge influence and great support for me.

 

What would you say the most difficult situations are that you face out on the road?

Jake:  All night drives and schedule conflicts

 

If you could tell us what it takes to be a winner what would you say?

Jake:  To be a winner have faith, dedication, lots of practice, and confidence in yourself!

How does your faith play a role in your Roping Career?

Jake:  God blessed me with an amazing talent and I am so thankful for it. I have to have faith and know He will help me every step along the way.

 

Is there one main piece of advice you can give to all of those kids and adults out there who want to pursue their dreams?

Jake:  Stay focused and keep your eye on the goal.

 

There are a lot of Team Ropers out there that watch you close and want to learn all they can from you; what are three tips you would have for them in their Roping years ahead?

Jake:  Maintain your game plan. Do not conform to others. Keep strong and focused staying mentally ready.

 

**Be be sure to check out this YouTube video to learn more about**

**Jake Long and his faith and how it plays a role in his roping.**

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interview with Cesar de la Cruz

I am so excited about this interview with Cesar de la Cruz.  I hope my readers enjoy this as much as I do.  It’s always nice to get to know these guys a little more and see what’s behind their dreams and goals.

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Cesar de la Cruz

Cesar de la Cruz grew up in Tuscan, AZ. He has a long line of Cowboy roots and grew up roping steers. His uncle, George Aros, a 4-time NFR qualifier, was a big influence on his rodeo career.

Cesar and his wife Arena were married in 2008. They have two adorable boys, Camilo and Gio. I have seen them in the stands many times at the US Finals cheering him on.

Cesar qualified for his first NFR at the age of 22. He is now 31 and continuing to watch his dreams come true

How many years does this make for you as a  NFR qualifying contestant Cesar?
Cesar:  This is my 9th Year!

At what age did you know that this was the dream you would follow?
Cesar:  I was about 15 when I decided this is what I wanted to do!

Who has influenced you the most in your career?
Cesar:  My Uncle George Aros.

What would you say the most difficult situations are that you face out on the road?
Cesar:  Finances and being away from home.

If you could tell us what it takes to be a winner what would you say?
Cesar:  You need to have a short term memory and have to expect yourself to win!


How does your faith play a role in your Roping Career?
Cesar:  For me I have have to have faith that God has a plan for me and I have to trust him with my roping career!

Is there one main piece of advice you can give to all of those kids and adults out there who want to pursue their dreams?
Cesar:Refuse to Lose, Never give up, and Hard work pays off.


There are a lot of Team Ropers out there that watch you close and want to learn all they can from you; what are three tips you would have for them in their Roping years ahead?
Cesar:  Lots of practice, you need a good horse, Set and try to achieve your goals.

For more on Cesar de la Cruz be sure to check out this Youtube video.

Thank you Cesar for letting me do this interview with you.

Above and Beyond,

Dream Catcher 3:20

Cassie Gilman