‘Right in the thick of it’

Published 5:00 pm Tuesday, July 28, 2009

JOHN DAY – Trevor Knowles hasn’t been getting much sleep.

The Mt. Vernon resident has been keeping a hectic schedule on the quest of his ultimate goal – a PRCA World Steer Wrestling Title.

“I have been going at it 24-7,” Knowles said.

Saturday, July 18, Knowles finished tied for first in steer wrestling at the California Rodeo in Salinas. Rather than relaxing and enjoying the win, Knowles boarded a plane. Later that night he competed at the Snake River Stampede Rodeo in Nampa, Idaho.

The next morning he was traveling again – on his way to Utah to compete in rodeos in Salt Lake City and Ogden.

“Traveling is tough, but it is part of the job,” Knowles said. “I’d rather be out traveling and keeping my head in the game. If you’re going to be in the rodeo, there is no sense not going to as many as you can.”

So far this season, Knowles believes he is probably ahead of where he has been at this time in seasons past.

“It’s been good,” he said of the season. “I’m right in the thick of it.”

Knowles sits at 15th in the PRCA World Standings with earnings of $36,244. Last season Knowles finished fourth in the world with earnings of $146,026.17.

“I have the same goals every year. Everyone wants to win a world title,” he said. “I’ll go to win it and see where we land.”

One highlight for Knowles was winning a $106,000 bonus earlier this month at the prestigious Calgary Stampede.

Going into his final run, Knowles said he knew he had to be under 3.7 seconds to win. He came a way with a time of 3.3 seconds.

“When I won, I was in awe. I can’t really explain it,” he said.

Local rodeo fans will get the opportunity to see Knowles in action next month. He will compete at the Hermiston Rodeo in early August.

Knowles isn’t sure if he’ll make a stop home during the season.

“When you are out here a guy hates to break the mentality of keeping on the target and staying focused,” Knowles said. “But everyone does need a home-fix.”