Rising Star: Gage Murray, Ranch Cowboy Turned Rodeo Cowboy
Rising Star: Gage Murray, Ranch Cowboy Turned Rodeo Cowboy
Gage Murray grew up on the family ranch living the cowboy lifestyle every single day until he finally got the opportunity to compete inside the rodeo arena.
“I never knew anything different than being a cowboy.”
Gage Murray grew up on his family's ranch in Jordan, Montana, 250 miles east of Great Falls, living the cowboy lifestyle every day, but due to the rural location of his hometown, Murray never got the opportunity to compete in the rodeo arena when he was young. When he did finally find his way to rodeo, it was not only the lifestyle that drew him in, but also the opportunity to use his cowboy skills in a controlled environment.
The now 18-year-old started with bronc riding but has expanded his repertoire to include a handful of events and is ranked on our list in both the steer wrestling and the tie-down roping categories.
Check out the entire rankings list HERE.
Gage Murray
Hometown: Miles City, Montana
Age: 18
Events: Steer wrestling, tie-down roping, team roping, cutting and reigning cow horse.
The Rank: No. 2 (steer wrestling), No. 49 (tie-down roping)
How did you get started in rodeo?
It was a way of life for me and I cherished it every day. What interested me was some of the events and doing them in a controlled environment. I wasn't able to do it because we lived so rural that I had nowhere close to practice and it would cost too much money in fuel to go someplace else. As a freshman in high school I got my chance and I started bronc riding, but I never really fell in love with the sport until I started steer wrestling the very next year with Beau Clark.
What are some of your biggest accomplishments to date?
- 2017 YRA Steer Wrestling champion
- Glasgow, Miles City, and Camp Crook All-Around Cowboy
- 17-18 REACT Tobacco Free rodeo series steer wrestling champion
- Three-time MHSRA State Qualifier
- 2018 National Qualifier
- NILE High School Showcase Qualifier (invitation only)
What do you like to do when you're not competing?
I like to hunt, fish, ride horses, go to church, work on the family ranch, hang out with my family, and continue to work hard at my dreams every day.
Who is your greatest role model?
I'm am very fortunate because I have had many mentors to help me along the way. The one who helped me find my passion though was Beau Clark. I am very thankful for having such a tremendous man who helped me both physically and mentally.
What is your favorite song?
"If Heaven Wasn't so Far Away" by Justin Moore.
What is your favorite food?
My mom's lasagna for sure