story by Lindsay King
Glenn Jackson has found himself attempting just about every event in rodeo at one time or another. The flanking and tying stuck with him the most and he’s been an avid calf roper for the last 20 years. “I was born into a rodeo family. My grandpa was a stock contractor and rodeo promoter, so it [rodeo] was kind of like the family business,” said the Pawnee, Oklahoma, native. Even though he’s a roper, Glenn appreciates the roughstock events also. “If I had to pick a favorite event it would have to be bull riding. Watching good bucking stock reminds me a lot of the time I spent with my grandpa growing up.”
That growing up happened in south Texas and put Glenn in close proximity to some of the world’s top cowboys. “I could go on and on with a list of guys that helped me, but I was very blessed to spend time with Sedgwick Haynes and Calvin Greeley.” They were the first two people Glenn hit the rodeo trail with back in the day. As a teenager, Glenn moved in with Jimmy Canton, further solidifying his life-long pursuit of rodeo excellence.
Living in central Oklahoma makes it easy for Glenn to hit plenty of ACRA rodeos. It’s a no brainer in his mind based on where he lives. “I’ve been a member of the ACRA for the last ten years and I’ll buy my card every year that I am able to compete. The association reaches out to everyone, from the kids stepping up into the amateur circuit to the everyday working competitors.” Since most ACRA rodeos are co-sanctioned, Glenn is also a frequent competitor in the IPRA, CRRA as well as jackpots and open rodeos. “I have been lucky enough to win some of the bigger ACRA rodeos over the years. Last year I left the finals with the average buckle. I was extremely proud of that because it was in memory of my buddy’s (Blake Ash) grandpa.”
Even though Glenn has won Rodeo Miami three times, his favorite ACRA event is held in his now hometown. “I love Rodeo Miami, but I am partial to the Pawnee Bill Memorial Rodeo held every August.” Historically, the hardest part of rodeo for Glenn was getting out of the driveway. “I have gotten better over the years, but there was a time that I had a very high percentage of turn outs.” If getting to the rodeo is the toughest aspect for Glenn, then once he gets there things get much easier. “I like to refer to myself as a ‘preformer.’ When I ride into the box, it’s game on. My mental game is one of my strongest points. When I turn around and back into the corner, I focus on going slow enough to be correct but fast enough to win something.”
This sharp focus will hopefully help Glenn break into the top 50 calf ropers in the PRCA – he wants another shot at Rodeo Houston. “At the end of the day, I just enjoy spending time with my friends that have become like family and helping the younger guys rope. Having the opportunity to see some of the people I have helped completes my rodeo career. Everything else is just a bonus.” This top-notch support system consisting of family and friends also includes Glenn’s girlfriend (Julie Williamson) and her family. “The guys at Willard Ropes and Tres Rios Silver have helped me tremendously as well. All this success would be impossible at any level without a support system in my opinion.”
