**For Immediate Release**
A New Generation of Rodeo
-released by OPSU Campus Communications 10-03-05
by Laura Dahl

It would be difficult to find a more polite, competitive, friendly, and hard working student than Trell Etbauer. This Oklahoma Panhandle State University sophomore exemplifies the work ethic and spirit of a successful student, athlete, and professional.

Trell grew up in a family rodeo tradition. Dad Robert rodeoed at OPSU along with the late Deke Latham, brother of current OPSU rodeo coach Craig Latham. The “family” eventually grew to include Robert, Danny, and Billy Etbauer as well as brothers Deke and Craig Latham, all who traveled together during their professional careers. Robert holds two world champion saddle bronc rider titles, Billy holds five, and Danny has competed at least 10 years in the National Finals Rodeo.

While the younger Etbauer has been around rodeo all of his life and started roping not long after he first started riding, dad Robert and mom Sue did not allow Trell to try his hand in rough stock events until his sixteenth birthday had passed.

That lack of experience hasn’t held him back. He won the 2005 Central Plains Region saddle bronc and steer wrestling plus the All-Around Cowboy title. The only freshman to make it to the short round in steer wrestling at the College National Finals Rodeo in June, he shares the championship title in that event with Tyrel Turner, a recent OPSU recruit who rodeoed at Central Wyoming College.

Always modest, the young cowboy is reluctant to talk about himself. When asked how it felt to win at CNFR, he gave most of the credit to his hazer and teammate Buster Holland. He admits that his favorite event is either bull dogging or bronc riding, depending on which one brings in the check that day. He also raises, trains, shoes, and trades horses and claims never to have purchased a high dollar horse.

Rodeo is the only American collegiate sport that allows students to compete professionally while competing at the college level. After the Poteau, OK professional rodeo results were posted, Trell sits eighth in the Prairie Circuit Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association standings as well as tenth in the saddle bronc.

Trell plans to finish his bachelor’s of business administration degree in accounting while continuing his college and professional rodeo careers. One of his instructors, Scott Puryear, said, “Trell is a great kid to have in class. He’s interested in the subject matter, engages in discussion, and is well-liked by his peers.”

Meet Trell Etbauer - the new generation of the Saddle Bronc Capital of the World located right here in Texas County, Oklahoma.

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