Coleman Proctor can’t remember not roping. Growing up in Oklahoma, his mom, dad and both sisters roped. He entered his first roping at the age of nine and hasn’t slowed down since. Also during his childhood, the family raised and showed sheep, which kept Coleman involved in 4H.
“I enjoyed that part of my life. It taught me a lot about responsibility. I remember raising a bottle goat in the kitchen. I would have to get up early and give her a bottle like a baby. We named her Clementine and I used to haul her to high school rodeos and practice on her. She thought she was a dog.”
Coleman enjoyed sports in high school and attended Northeastern Oklahoma A&M and Northwestern Oklahoma State University. He has considered attending law school.
It’s impossible to reach the professional level without some coaching and Coleman is thankful for the help he received as a young roper from more experienced ropers like Manny Egusquiza, Jeff Brown and Gaylen Fix.
It’s just a matter of time before we see Coleman Proctor competing at the Wrangler National Finals. Winning rodeos like Oakdale, California and Caldwell, Idaho in 2013 helped Coleman to finish 19th in the heading world standings, roping with a variety of partners.
This year, Coleman is heading for long-time friend, Jake Long. In 2010, the pair bested 468 teams to win the prestigious George Strait Team Roping Classic with a time of 14.93-seconds on three head.
“In the 8th grade, Jake and I started hanging out and roping together. We roped all the time, whether it was steers, goats or dummies. We were both heeling at the time and only had one head rope. We would take turns heading for each other.”
“Getting up and down the road is very expensive. You have to win, there’s no other answer. I enjoy helping people with their roping and teaching schools and that income is helpful. When I roped with Speed he taught me a lot about teaching and treating your roping as a business.”
As for kids that want to rodeo and go pro, Coleman has this advice:
“Set goals. Goals are nothing more than dreams with a timeline. Don’t ever give up or let up. In the end, you are the only person that stands in your way of doing anything. Leave alone the temptations on the road that will hinder your progress. Get your head down and make a plan.”
Coleman is currently sponsored by: Fast Back Ropes, CSI Saddle Pads, Coats Saddles, Dixon-Flowers Quarter Horses, Wrangler, Justin, Pro Care Plus and speedroping.com.
COWBOY Q&A:
How much do you practice?
Every day. Even if it’s just roping the dummy. If I’m not practicing, somebody else is. I learned from Speed, you have to have a great work ethic and be disciplined.
Do you make your own horses?
I made Booger, the horse I won the Strait on. But I do have some help from time to time. The horse I’m riding now, Switchblade, I got from Jimmy Lawrence, Lawrence Quarter Horses in Dewey, OK.
Who were your roping heroes?
My dad, Jeff Brown, Clay O’Brien Cooper, Speed Williams, Tom Ferguson
Who do you respect most in the world?
My mother
Who has been the biggest influence in your life?
My mother
If you had a day off what would you like to do?
I would play golf all day long.
Favorite movie?
Tin Cup
What’s the last thing you read?
Mind Gym – it’s about the mental aspect of anything related to sports.
How would you describe yourself in three words?
Funny, driven, motivated
What makes you happy?
Stephanie Arnold
What makes you angry?
People not taking their hats off during prayers or the National Anthem.
If you were given 1 million dollars, how would you spend it?
Wisely.
What is your worst quality – your best?
Worst quality, I tend to run late. Best quality, is being outgoing.
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
Living and ranching in Oklahoma. Still going to some rodeos.
