Behind The Chutes- An Interview with Wiley Jack, a PNW Steer Wrestler, Team Roper, and Pick up man!

Welcome to "Behind the Chutes," where we dive into the lives of rodeo athletes who live and breathe the spirit of the West. Today, we're excited to introduce you to Wiley Karas, a multifaceted cowboy from Yakima Valley, Washington, whose passion for rodeo shines through his professional pursuits in steer wrestling, team roping, and as a pick-up man. His journey into the heart of rodeo began with the thrill of steer wrestling, leading to a career filled with high-speed action, teamwork, and the noble duty of ensuring rider safety, showcasing what it truly means to be a cowboy.

Heidi Yeager

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Behind the Chutes with Wiley Karas

This month in our series “Behind the Chutes” we welcome Wiley Karas, a steer wrestler, team roper and pick up man as our rodeo athlete of the month! Wiley is from Yakima Valley in the great state of Washington. Read on to learn more about his background, rodeo career, and future goals!

What rodeo sports do you participate in/what do you like about each one?

Professionally I compete in Steer wrestling and team roping. And work as a Pick-up man.Each event and job have its own unique ways and challenges, i love steer wrestling because it is the first event that drove me into wanting to rodeo professionally, I have been very blessed in succeeding in this event and getting the opportunity to compete against the best in the world, I love crawling off my horse going 35 mph, catching a steer by his horns and throwing him down in under 4 seconds. But I also love team roping. because it evolves into two people having to work together, like a Quarterback and running back playing together. They both must be in rhythm and time with each other. But pickin-up is a completely different love from the rest. Working as a professional has been a gift and blessing in my life. Knowing that I am the one in charge of insuring the bareback and bronc riders' safety, is a cool feeling. I love riding multiple athletic horses chasing broncs, flying across the arena into danger, that is what makes a cowboy to me.

Can you share a bit about your background and what inspired you to pursue rodeo?

I cannot really say anything that inspired me in the beginning, I grew up riding when I was younger. But I never fully rodeoed until I was 14 years old. My grandpa raced horses for almost 60 years, so horses were always around. My sister barrel raced for a while and then quit to focus on school. But one day I got talked into going out to a local rodeo and got talked into entering the “chute dogging” which is throwing a steer on the ground. (without a horse) and started entering more, then a few years later I started steer wrestling at high school rodeos. Then it took off from there.

What draws you to steer wrestling, and how does it differ from other rodeo events in terms of excitement and skill?

Steer wrestling is my bread and butter. It not only involves strength but technique as well. I started chute dogging and worked my way up. But steer wrestling involves many factors, like horsepower, skill, mental game, and a good hazer. It is one of the most mentally and physically demanding things I have ever done. I love the challenge of having to throw a steer in 4 seconds to win the rodeo, feeling the horse underneath your legs and hearing the rodeo announcer talk about all your accomplishments. Good cattle can be a factor, but you must also know how to handle good cattle. (Stronger steers or easy steers) I have also made amazing relationships with multiple NFR qualifiers and world champions. Steer wrestlers help each other out more than any of the other event cowboys.

Tell us about your horses/teammates.

Right now, I have 6 horses. Lol. Cisco I use for steer wrestling, pickin-up, team roping, he’s my favorite; my grandpa and i raised him from birth. He’s my all around, go-to. Milargo I ride for pickin-up, team roping I bought him from a slaughterhouse in New Mexico. 4-bears I ride for pickin-up, he’s an ex saddle bronc bucking horse, that “kind of quit bucking”. He is 17 hands and 1650 lbs, his main job is to rope bulls. Bandito is my team roping, pickin-up horse. Vanilla Ice is my other team roping, pickin-up, an old ranch horse. Snip is team roping pickin-up, an old ranch horse.

What are some of the biggest challenges you face in this sport, both during competitions and in training?

To me, a Rodeo can be tough mentally. Bad luck is a huge thing, it can be tough some days, or it can feel like you are on top of the world. I have been on both sides. Some days I have felt like I can go to the national world finals, while other times I have questioned if I should continue or not. You cannot give up. You must fail to succeed. There will always be another rodeo is the mindset and mentality you must have. While training is very physical, building and working on core and leg strength, you cannot cheat anything, some days are rough, but you must think about what your competitors are doing.

Can you share a memorable moment or highlight from your career that stands out to you?

I have been so blessed with a bunch of memorable moments, winning the Northwest region multiple times is a big accomplishment but I cannot pinpoint a specific moment. But I love showing my mom and grandparents every buckle I have won. I also love family friends that have watched me grow up and tell me what an amazing job I have done picking up or steer wrestling. One of my favorite accomplishments and life goals was competing steer wrestling and picking up at my hometown rodeo, which I had watched every year as long as I could remember.

What advice would you give to young rodeo enthusiasts who aspire to become steer wrestlers?

One thing I can tell young athletes is, “if you want to go far, go alone.” have a plan and some goals that “you” want to achieve and do not change yourself or your goals for anyone. Do not give up, it is going to suck. It is going to be difficult, but every failure with make you appreciate success when it comes, and you will never take a win or achievement for granted. I knew nothing and did not have much when I started out and got laughed at, but I never gave up.

What are your goals for the upcoming season, and where do you see yourself in the next few years in this sport?

College wise my goals this year are in hopes of winning the northwest steer wrestling title for a 3rd time. Along with the team roping. As an amateur and professionally I want to qualify for the NPRA finals, and Columbia River circuit finals. In the near future I want to either compete at the NFR or be voted to pick-up at it.

Conclusion

Wiley Karas has truly embodied the spirit of rodeo through his diverse involvement in steer wrestling, team roping, and as a pick-up man. His journey from a young rider in Yakima Valley to competing against the best in the world is a testament to his dedication, passion, and resilience. Through "Behind the Chutes," we've glimpsed the hard work, the unique challenges, and the deep love Wiley has for each aspect of rodeo. His stories of personal growth, the bond with his horses, and the memorable moments shared with family and friends highlight the rich tapestry of experiences that define a rodeo athlete's life. As Wiley looks forward to achieving new titles and potentially competing or serving at the NFR, his advice to never give up and to chase personal goals resonates as a powerful message for all aspiring rodeo enthusiasts. Here's to Wiley Karas, for inspiring us with his story of perseverance, teamwork, and the cowboy way of life.