[June 07, 2011] Athlete of the Week Daniel Rice secures a ride in national rodeo finals Tweet Jun 07, 2011 (Lodi News-Sentinel - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- Accomplishment: Former Galt High School graduate Daniel Rice recently qualified for his first College National Finals Rodeo. Rice, who just completed his sophomore year at Cal Poly State University in San Luis Obispo, finished first in his region in steer wrestling and will also compete in tie-down roping after his team placed second at the West Coast Finals in Las Vegas. The national finals will be held at the Casper Events Center in Casper, Wyo., June 13-19. Family: Rich and Jenny Rice, parents; one sister, Katie Rice. Favorite sport: Rodeo. "I just enjoy the nature of the sport," Rice said. "You're competing against everybody, but you're also close with everyone and trying to help them out." Favorite athlete: Rodeo star Trevor Brazile, who is an eight-time all-around world champion. Best sports moment: Winning his region in steer wrestling. Hobbies: Basketball. Favorite local restaurant: Donkey J's in Lockeford. Rice said the French Dip Special is his favorite dish. Dream car: Chevy Dually pickup truck. Dream vacation: Hawaii. Must-see TV: ESPN. Plans: Finish college and then pursue a professional rodeo career. Favorite Internet site: YouTube. The Athlete of the Week is selected by the News-Sentinel sports staff. Nominations are gladly accepted. Rice will receive a T-shirt courtesy of Lodi Sporting Goods for being selected. To see more of the News-Sentinel or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.lodinews.com. Copyright (c) 2011, Lodi News-Sentinel, Calif. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For more information about the content services offered by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services (MCT), visit www.mctinfoservices.com. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]