Roping with beef

Missouri Roots

Hailing from Gallatin, Missouri, Tom grew up immersed in cattle and horses. His family’s ranching and rodeo traditions gave him a unique foundation. “We pretty much work cattle and then we rope. I got to rope with my parents and sister at the same rodeos, often riding the same horses. I’m really fortunate to have grown up that way.”

Homemade Horsepower

Tom’s career has been shaped by family-trained horses. His standout mounts this season were Doc Steel Blue (Doc) and Last L Straw (Bob)—horses that have been in the family for years. “Bob and I are like brothers. He’s given me everything I could have asked for—from junior high wins to riding him at Sioux Falls 11 years later. Whether it’s Calgary or Sioux Falls, I never doubt him.”

Breakthrough Season

Tom’s 2025 season included major wins at the Cinch Roping Fiesta, Calgary Stampede, and strong finishes at Red Bluff, Mandan, and Puyallup. The Puyallup semifinals marked a pivotal moment:   “If you see me show emotion in the arena, it’s a big deal. That was huge for me.”   Looking ahead to Las Vegas, Tom plans to stick with what’s worked: “I’ll just do the same things that have been working this summer and not overthink it too much.”.

Beyond the Arena

Outside rodeo, 2025 has been eventful. Tom and his fiancée Kamie were married in October and recently bought a home in Cushing, Oklahoma. “Unbelievable, stressful, and blessed would be the three words I’d use to describe this year—mostly blessed. This back number isn’t just mine; it belongs to my family, Kamie, Gallatin, and even the whole state of Missouri.”

Keep Tabs on Tom

Follow his journey by following him on Instagram (@crouse_tom) and on Facebook (Tom Crouse - PRCA Athlete).