Benjamin Willoughby had never ridden a bull before Saturday, when he saddled and strapped up to ride in front of hundreds of spectators at the 2010 Alpha Psi Rodeo.
A freshman in building science, Willoughby is a member of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity and has been going to the Rodeo since he was a junior in high school.
\0xAD\0xADHe hung on to the bull for about three seconds before being thrown, but considers it one of the most exciting experiences of his life.
"It was a huge adrenaline rush," Willoughby said, "probably one of the biggest adrenaline rushes I've ever had."
Everybody who's anybody hears about the Alpha Psi Rodeo, according to Willoughby, and this year's rodeo was definitely a big event, hosting more than 15,000 people, a large crowd for a first-time bull rider.
"It was like Christmas morning, waiting for rodeo," Willoughby said. "I always look forward to rodeo, but waiting to ride the bull was very nerve-racking."
Bull riding is a sport infamous for its frequent and often serious injuries, and Willoughby's first ride was no exception, leaving him with a bruised leg.
"You've got to hold on for dear life," Willoughby said. "The only thing you're thinking about is making it to the side where you don't get hurt afterwards."
The bull started bucking while it was still in the chute, and Willoughby hit his leg as it kicked its way out of the gate.
He twisted off to the right side, and to make things worse, was kicked during his fall to the dirt.
"I would say it's a lot harder than it looks," Willoughby said. "You think you can hold on and last eight seconds."
Willoughby's favorite part of the entire rodeo was getting on the back of the bull, regardless of his nerves.
"I don't know how to describe it," Willoughby said. "It's just a lot of adrenaline and hoping you don't get hurt, but I was ready to do it, though, it was fun."
He signed up for the rodeo at the Alpha Psi house and attended a mandatory meeting for riders the Thursday night before, saying it wasn't difficult to get involved.
Willoughby plans to ride in the next three rodeos at least and said next year he'll put more time in practice and preparation.
"Hopefully I can get on a mechanical bull or something," Willoughby said. "Try to get some practice in before next time."
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