RMPRA member, Cy Eames – WT Bruce
story by Terry Rhodes
Entrepreneur, calf roper, and third generation cowboy. All are terms that describe Cy Eames. Cy earns the title entrepreneur with his role in starting a company called Rodeo Genius with two friends. “Pace Freed, Austin Christensen, and I started doing this four years ago. We came up with concept in 2010 and began putting it together. We had some software developers do the programming and now we’re handling about 40 to 50 rodeos a year. It’s a one stop shop for both promoting your rodeo and performing secretary and entry functions in one place.” You learn more about the company at www.rodeogenius.com.
Cy has been a member of the RMPRA from its very beginning and likes what the association has to offer. “RMPRA is my number one amateur association because of the close proximity to the pro shows. I’ll get to 10 or 15 of the RMPRA events. I like the way they are set up to work with cowboys in scheduling when they need to be up. And I like the way they do their payouts by paying only four holes if there is less than 50 entries. That makes for a good first place payout.” His event is calf roping and occasionally will team rope if the situation presents itself. He also competes in the PRCA Wilderness Circuit and finds that it works out real well to combine going to rodeos in both associations on the same trip.
He says his start in rodeo came from growing up in a generations deep rodeo family. “My grandpa, Bob A. Robinson was the World Champion Steer Wrestler in 1960. Both my mom and dad rodeoed professionally, and my older sister rodeoed. So I grew up all around it.” He credits the late Walter Parke as the one that helped him with his calf roping. “Walter Parke started me out. My family has helped me with my rodeo all along the way, and Kent Shiozawa has helped out with rodeo in general. I used to do all the events in high school, and finally stuck with calf roping.” His parents are Vern and Angelee and his sister is Italy Jo (Sheehan).
His preparation for the arena is based on a good deal of physical conditioning, roping practice, and developing the right mental attitude. “Obviously there is a lot of work in the practice pen, but I think over time you need to build a mental toughness to compete in rodeo. I’ve read a number of good personal development books that have enhanced my outlook on life. I have been given some great opportunities to be successful in rodeo and those have come from my parents, grandparents, and family.” He is very committed in his Faith and lives with the Lord.
On the physical side of preparation, Cy spends a good deal of time work on his size and strength. “I am a leaner built type so I work on training and strengthening my body. In my event I feel that you have to be in great shape and as a professional athlete you need to treat your body accordingly. I train hard and eat right.” His job during the week fits right into his belief in living a healthy life style. “I’m a health coach for a natural wellness company that has helped me and my family stay healthy.”
Cy, 24, lives in Gooding, Idaho where he was born and raised. Leisure time is spent in the practice pen or hanging out with family. “I spend a lot time with my family. Family is a big part of my life.” Goals for the future are to make the NFR and develop successful businesses. “I would like have one really successful business and at some point get married and start a family.”
