The WRANGLER Horse and Rodeo News is an equine and rodeo publication with circulation in Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota, Utah and Idaho.
Issue link: http://thewrangler.uberflip.com/i/1522135
22 | College National Finals Rodeo JUNE 2024 bull Fighters Ethan Johnson started his journey the first year out of high school in 2014 and quickly became known across New Mexico as an athlete determined to be the best at keeping the fallen riders from harm's way. Prior to receiving his PRCA membership in 2018, Ethan had been selected to work 11 finals rodeos throughout the amateur and high school circuits; a testament to his job commitment. "I try to be the best at cowboy protection," Johnson said. "And when the bull riders choose you to work their finals, it's their way of saying 'thanks' for a job well done." "Rodeo is a lifestyle and the friends you make along the way will be lifelong. It's a dream come true to be able to travel across these great United States, see new country, meet new people, and visit with the public about our sport and way of life. There just isn't anything better." For now, Johnson will be focused on the job at hand which is serving as a protective barrier between bulls and bull riders. We would like to wish Ethan and all the other participants the best of luck as they follow their dreams during this year's event. Bravane (Alex) Phelps is a third generation rodeo cowboy and first generation bullfighter from Ulysses, Kansas. Phelps began fighting bulls at the green age of 13 un- der the direction of World Champion, Wacey Munsell and his father Doug. Phelps attended the last of Rex Dunn's bullfight- ing school in the spring of 2011. Phelps has been a contestant at the World Championship Rodeo Bullfights in Ada, OK. He then attended Dodge City Community College for two years and then transferred to Southwestern Oklahoma State Uni- versity where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in busi- ness administration. Phelps has worked as a bullfighter in the PRCA since he was 18. He is excited to be a part of the College National Finals Rodeo! "College Rodeo has been a large part of my life and I can not wait to get to work such a prestigious rodeo that showcases the best college rodeo has to offer." Wyatt Mason is a 27 year old, Casper, Wyoming native. He has always had a passion for the sport of rodeo. From the time Wyatt could walk he has always wanted to be a rodeo Bullfighter and he could often be seen dressed up as one at the rodeos. Wyatt started fighting bulls at the age of 16 and never looked back. In 2017 Wyatt received approval for his PRCA permit and filled his card in the 2018 rodeo season. Wyatt enjoys all aspects of fighting bulls, from protecting cowboys to freestyle bullfighting. He has been making his mark across the country and has been seen in many short rounds at "Shorty Gorhams American Freestyle Bullfighting". One of his biggest achievements was winning the North Texas Fair and Rodeo protection match, against some of the top PRCA Bullfighters in the world. Wyatt is always learning and working hard to become the best he can be.