Football
Kristen White 18y

Owner's Turn

After winning the first Wrangler ProRodeo Winter Tour event of the year in Odessa, Texas, steer wrestler Chad Van Campen was excited. But not too excited. He knew it was early, and he didn't want to get his hopes up too soon.

But now Van Campen can be as excited as he'd like. He's qualified for the Pace Picante ProRodeo Chute-out in Tulsa, Okla., and a shot at a portion of the $350,000 payday.

"It's been a good season," Van Campen said. "It started off with Odessa, winning the Tour Round and average, and everybody said, 'Shoot, you're winning the world.' But that doesn't mean anything until November. I didn't want to jump out there and win one rodeo and then not place again until August or something."

No worries there. Van Campen has been in good form since Odessa. He earned a good paycheck and key Tour points in Rapid City, S.D., and again in San Angelo, Texas. Now he's qualified for his first Pace Series event.

A big part of Van Campen's success is his horse, Caesar. Last year, Caesar got a lot of attention when several cowboys, including Wrangler National Finals Rodeo qualifier Garrett Nokes, rode Caesar to success.

I didn't want to jump out there and win one rodeo and then not place again until August or something.
Chad Van Campen

It was Nokes who helped Van Campen branch out to new, larger rodeos. After Nokes' brother, Justen, and Garrett won first and second place, respectively, at the National Western Stock Show & Rodeo in Denver on Caesar last season, Garrett Nokes saw an opportunity.

"He asked if I'd get in with him, and that's how my year started," Van Campen said. "It was the first year that allowed me to travel and get out there to all those rodeos, not just circuit rodeos around the house, and have a job. Getting a little experience under my belt last year helped me a bunch. I was getting the experience of knowing how to handle certain situations and seeing what it takes to win."

That experience has started to pay off. This season, Van Campen continues to share the services of Caesar, though he's making his own name aboard the horse as well. He and traveling partners Garrett Nokes, Dane Hanna and Kyle Whitaker all ride Caesar most of the time. At one time or another, everyone seems to have found success on Caesar.

"He's a good horse, and it's nice that everybody recognizes him," Van Campen said. "He's just solid and special in the sense that he's really easy to ride. He gives you a great go. He's automatic and solid.

"We won one, two, three on him in Rapid City, and he got the award in San Antonio for best horse," Van Campen said. "He scores great and has been real consistent."

Caesar could very well be the key for Van Campen in Tulsa when he tries for his first crystal cup.

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