Cesar de la Cruz - Heeler

Few team ropers have been as popular with fans for a decade as Cesar de la Cruz. Cesar qualified for his first NFR at the age of 22 and now at 30, has over $1,000,000 in career earnings with the PRCA. Growing up in Tucson, Ariz., and though he lived in town, he always had access to a lead steer and donkey to rope.

BIOGRAPHY

HOMETOWN: Tucson, AZ

DATE OF BIRTH: 4/29/1983

EVENT: Team Roping – Heeler

BACKGROUND: Married to Arena who competed in College Rodeo; Sons are Camilo, Gio and Zorro; Stepfather is Larry Olivar; Mother is Zenaida and has done some barrel racing; Brothers are Santiago and Philip; Sister is Dalia; Lost his thumb when he was 12 while roping; Uncles George and Victor Aros and grandfather Vic Aros competed in rodeo

CAREER HISTORY

• Placed in four rounds at 2014 National Finals Rodeo

• Won 2014 Justin Boots Championships (Omaha, NE) With Tom Richards

• Tied for the win in Round 10 at 2013 National Finals Rodeo and placed in three other rounds

• Won 2013 and 2011 Justin Boots Championships (Omaha, NE)

• Won 2012 Ram Turquoise Circuit Finals Rodeo (Las Cruces, NM)

• Won 2011 Pendleton (OR) Round-Up

• Nine-time National Finals Rodeo Qualifier (2006-14)