10 Questions: Austin Stewart
1. How did you get started as a Pro. Rodeo Entertainer and do you only follow one sanction?
I got started at age four, I was born into a rodeo family. I’m a fifth generation cowboy. I performed at my first rodeo at age five. I’ve traveled all over the country and now to Canada to do trick and fancy roping and now my Charlotte Flames. I don’t follow only one sanction. I go wherever I get paid, I’m a contract personnel. I’m contracted to perform for the people in the seats.
2. How did you learn to Trick Rope?
When I was four I discovered I had a talent doing the butterfly and the wedding ring. A couple of my friends that trick roped really well: Curt Kidd, Keith Isley and Mr. Dick Corey, they helped me refine what I was doing. And at age five I did my first show in Dublin, Virginia and I haven’t looked back since.
3. How did you get the idea for the Charlotte Flames?
A lot of people ask about that. I seen it in New Zealand on a website. This is something they do for hand-eye coordination and they teach the little kids as a P.E. class. It’s with socks and tennis balls and they twirl them around. Now people are starting to use glow sticks in the tecno scene. I said, lets step it up a notch and light them on fire. I’m from Charlotte, North Carolina so I called my act the Charlotte Flames. That’s how I got the idea.
4. What’s your favorite part about being in the dirt?
My favorite part about being in the arena is all the people in the stands. The fans going nuts when I’m twirling the fire or doing the tricks with the ropes and I’m out there having my own little rock and roll show out in front of thousands of people.
5. If you were not a Pro. Rodeo Entertainer what would you be doing?
This is the only thing I would love to be doing and I’m so thankful that I am. But if wasn’t doing this, I would be an auctioneer.
6. What was your first job?
My first job, other than being part of the family rodeo team and working for our asphalt and paving company, was working for a sale barn. I punched cattle and sorted and grouped cattle together. I was a sale barn cattle poker, that was my first job.
7. Do you have a significant other?
No I don’t. I’m 19 years old. I’m trying to stay as single as possible. When you find the right one you’ll know it.
8. What are your other hobbies?
You might think this is kinda funny, but I like to go to Zumba Class, its one of my favorite things to do. I like to play Frisbee Golf and do a little hunting and fishing from time to time.
9. What is your favorite food?
It would have to be Texas Fajitas from Azteca Mexican Restaurant in Charlotte, North Carolina. It’s to die for with a little Pico Di Gallo on it, a little salsa and chips. Sets my stomach every time.
10. Where is one place you would love to travel in the world?
I would like to go to Rome, Italy.
