PRCA CEO Tom Glause joined Jeff Medders to remember Patrick Gottsch, someone he says was a true pioneer in the Western World.
“As we look back on Patrick’s life, he was truly a visionary. That’s a word I have heard used to describe him most often.”
What stuck out to Glause was Patrick’s ability to stick with a dream and make it a reality.
“Patrick pursued his vision with passion. When Patrick had something in his mind, he didn’t just stop with dreaming of it, he pursued it. Nothing could get in his way or stop him from seeing that vision all the way through.”
The PRCA and The Cowboy Channel signed a partnership in 2019, but shortly after COVID hit and the world came to a stop. Patrick, however, did not stop.
“Patrick said we are going to figure this out, and that’s when we started putting smaller rodeos on. It is amazing what Patrick has done.”
Glause credits Patrick with rodeo’s boom after COVID and says his ability to keep it going during the pandemic is a big reason the sport is where it is today.
Patrick’s passion for the sport was not limited to the athletes, he had a special bond with fans across America.
“People love Patrick and Patrick loved hearing from the people. He was a hands-on founder and president. He loved the emails and making people happy.”
Glause spoke with Patrick last week, in what would be their last conversation.
“Last week I was talking to Patrick about the future of the Cowboy Channel and as we visited I told Patrick that his legacy has been cemented, and I believe that there is a place for him in our Hall of Fame.”
The Gottsch family has asked that, in lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in Patrick’s honor be made to the National FFA Foundation.