Two for the Show
Twice as nice, that’s how 2020 PRCA World Champion Heeler Paul Eaves feels about his second World Championship in three years. The 30-year-old roper from Londell, Missouri, celebrated his win with his partner, Colby Lovell, and his family. It was a goal that he wasn’t sure was going to happen, thanks to the pandemic.
“That’s what I was planning for (winning the world),” he says. “It doesn’t always happen that way, but that’s what I’m after.”
Eaves first picked up a rope when he was 12 years old. He started roping off a large gray pony named Stormy, who Eaves credits as one of his first roping teachers. “He knew more about roping than I did,” he says.
Progressing through junior and high school rodeos, Eaves participated in a roping school with PRCA legend Allen Bach when he was 17. That chance encounter set him on a path to his gold buckles because Bach then invited him to continue his mentorship and live with him near Millsap, Texas.
Through his mentors like Bach, Eaves learned that he needs to practice his mental game just as much as he needs to practice throwing a rope. He credits his mindset and concentration as his biggest strengths that have helped him on the road.
“I wouldn’t say I’m overly talented, but I work hard at (roping),” he says. “However, what goes on in your brain is the most important aspect of the sport.”
To keep himself focused, Eaves studies the Bible daily and essentially wills himself to have a positive mindset throughout the day. “It can be hard, making yourself have a good attitude when you don’t want to, but I say having a good mindset and good concentration comes by just doing it in repetition,” Eves suggests.
Eaves recommends that any young roper start with setting their priorities and stay on that path to achieve your goals. “I can mess a lot of stuff up by not having my priorities right,” he says. “So, I set my priorities and push for them. I just outwork everybody—if you’re willing to put in more time and effort than the next guy, eventually you’re going to be successful.”
Best Rodeo: NFR – Texas
Best Horse: Jade
Favorite Jeans: Cinch, Black Label
Straw or Felt: Straw
Favorite Food: Steak, medium rare
Favorite arena: Arlington, Texas
