Gator Goodrich is finding his feet in the ProRodeo, winning the Sedro-Woolley Rodeo in Washington over the 2024 Cowboy Christmas with a 9.6-second time, earning $1,867.

Now in his second year of ProRodeo, the 19-year-old Weatherford College student is eyeing the Columbia River Circuit Finals with father and six-time NFR Qualifier Brad in the truck. Currently, Goodrich is sitting No. 9 with $5,785 won.

Calfroping.com caught up with Goodrich between rodeos as he prepares to head out with Cowboy Christmas high-money earner Ty Harris.

CR: Talk me through your run there at Sedro-Woolley.

Gator Goodrich: “My calf was decent, she wanted to run on but was good on the ground. I was in the first perf, halfway down, and they hadn’t done much before me so I just wanted to make a clean smooth run. I missed the start a little and kinda got a weird go. I roped and [pitched slack] to the inside, rolled her down and had to pick her up. I threw a wrap and a hooey on her because I thought I was taking too much time.”

What horse did you ride in Sedro-Woolley?

His name is Jackson, Ryan Jarrett lined the deal up. I got him since I went off to college, and I’ve won so much on that horse. He’s made such a huge difference in my roping and he’s stepped my game up.

What has ProRodeo looked like for you these last few years?

My first year of ProRodeo I was mainly a circuit rodeo guy, and this year I’m trying to go a little more to Cheyenne and Salinas. I’m still not a full-blown traveler—I’m trying to get my toes wet this year and going hard next year.

What are some of the biggest changes you’ve seen in yourself since your rookie year?

Probably my horsemanship, and my consistency overall. I have mellowed out and am not as nervous as last year. Now, I am more consistent and controlled.

Talk about your upbringing in rodeo.

I grew up roping with my dad Brad—he made it to the NFR six times. I traveled with him growing up alongside my mom and sister. I got real familiar with it, and you could say I was born and raised in it.

What’s it like competing alongside your dad now?

It’s awesome. He’s had 40 years competing and he’s shorten the learning curve for me. He’s my traveling partner, he goes with me to all the rodeos, and he helps with me the setups and gameplans. Not every rodeo you have to tie one in 7 seconds.

So, why calf roping? Out of all the events.

I like how you still have to be handy and have some horsemanship. There is an athletic side of it, too, because you have to get off, flank and tie.

What do you do when you’re not calf roping?

I love to play basketball, lift weights, train on our 4-and-6-year-olds at the house—because you always have to be thinking ahead on what you’re going to ride.

Do you have the Columbia River Circuit Finals in your sights?

Yes ma’am. I was trying for it last year but I had to leave to go to college. I had to miss Moses Lake, Pendleton and some others. But this year, I am sitting about No. 6 and I feel like I have more in me. We have Cheney, Elgin, Elko with Ty Harris, Cheyenne, Salt Lake, Nampa and then Salinas.

Don’t think there is a better hauling partner than Ty Harris.

No, you’re right. That’s the cool thing, growing up, a lot of those guys stayed here with my dad and I got to pick up bits and pieces.

2024 Sedro-Woolley Rodeo tie-down results

1. Gator Goodrich, 9.6 seconds, $1,867; 2. (tie) Brad Goodrich and Kass Kayser, 10.8, $1,384 each; 4. Tucker Braa, 11.5, $901; 5. Sam Mundell, 12.0, $580; 6. Tice Hiner, 12.7, $322.