A Cowboy Headed to the Finals

Winston Quesenberry (center) is pictured with Head Rodeo Coach, Jake Lawson (L) and President, Dr. Tim Faltyn (R).

The 5-foot, 7-inch, 145-pound Connors State sophomore since the age of 14 has been riding bulls and says, “It’s thrilling and a challenge,” atop a 2,000-pound bull. Winston Quesenberry’s next challenge is representing the Cowboys rodeo team at the Collegiate National Finals Rodeo in Casper, Wy., June 10-16. The CSC bull rider, who is from Bedford, Va., qualified for the CNF Rodeo by placing in four rodeos the Cowboys competed in this season. Quesenberry placed first in three of the events to accumulate enough points in the national standings to make the trip to Wyoming. Bull riding is a way of life for his family, according to Quesenberry. “My father (Jeff Quesenberry), who is in the military, has been riding bulls and I have three uncles who also rode bulls,” said Quesenberry. The CSC student said his Uncle David was the one individual who got him interested in bull riding. My father was in Iraq when I first started riding bulls. He also supported it and taught me a lot. When he was in Iraqi my Uncle got me started. “When I was 12 years old I started a little to see if I liked bull riding. “The first time I entered competition was 14 in Virginia. I then competed in rodeos through high school.”

Quesenberry first attended Western State College in Altus for three semesters before transferring to Connors at the urging of an uncle in Muskogee, who he has lived with while going to school and competing for the Cowboys. “I talked to the coaches and really liked them and the school and it has worked out for me,” said Quesenberry. Quesenberry said he is looking forward to the nationals finals “Big Time.” “I am really excited about it. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity.” The trip aboard a 2,000-pound bull has not always been an easy one for Quesenberry, who has sustained numerous injuries. He competed for a semester at Western, then the next year he competed in three rodeos before sustaining an injury. During his time aboard a bull he has sustained a broken jaw, a torn ACL and was out all last season following surgery. Despite the injuries Quesenberry gets back aboard the bulls. “It seems like every time I get hurt it’s a freak accident. It dangerous but I just love it. “Weighing just 145 pounds and being able to ride a 2,000-pound bull is pretty exciting for me,”