Take care of our lifestyle. We are living the dream that most can only dream of. Our sport could go away in a moment’s notice, and we need to take care of the sport and each other – that’s what makes us cowboys.
“For me, American Hats embodies a lot of things – the American spirit, the cowboy spirit, and a family spirit.” Garrett has worn American hats for at least 15 years. “I started as a customer and built a relationship from there.” He is proud to wear the hat – “It’s a brand and lifestyle I’m proud to ride for.”
Garrett Yerigan was born into the rodeo lifestyle. His mom and dad, Dale and Kathy Yerigan, were involved in rodeo his entire life, as were his maternal grandparents, Bob and Barbara Ink. Dale was an 11 time IPRA world champion steer wrestler and went on to be the general manager of the IPRA for 20 years. Kathy was an IPRA barrel racer. From the age of 7, Garrett set his sights on announcing – starting with jackpots and barrel races, at the age of 10, he got his first paying gig. He learned many aspects of rodeo, including a 15,000 song playlist. Garrett was a highly sought-after tractor driver for arena work. “I was kind of a tractor nut,” he admits. “I was only about 6 or 7 when I realized being an announcer would be a cool way to be involved in rodeo without being a contestant,” he said. “I figured the announcer gets a for-sure paycheck, and he’s not tearing up his body every week. Garrett graced the cover of Rodeo News in January, 2014, the year he was selected to announce the International Finals Rodeo.
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Fast forward ten years and the 29-year-old phenomenon from Pryor Creek, Oklahoma is the youngest ever to receive PRCA Announcer of the Year, 2021 and again in 2022 “I’m still blown away it’s happening – its surreal.” For many, it’s no surprise. Garrett has studied the sport, the contestants, and the art of announcing. “I listen and take tips from here and there – using the pipes God gave me.”
I see little signs each day that God put me on the earth for a reason. The microphone has taken me all over the world and I never thought that I’d get that as young man. Those are signs and proof that I’m doing what I’m supposed to be doing on this earth.”
“It’s a thrill every year,” he said of Cheyenne. “When you are there, you realize the magnitude of the history of that event, and then you understand why it’s called the “Daddy of ‘em All.” Garrett spends hours of preparation before each perf. He not only knows the contestants and latest news in the rodeo world, but he also studies the rodeos themselves to better learn their rhythms.
He is right where he wants to be – surrounded by a family of rodeo people that love God and support each other. “I never want to grow up.”