How Montevallo Alumni is roping life post-grad
BY Hollie Mann
Photo credit Robin Etheredge
Growing up to be a bulldogger is not a common phrase unless you are Bay Etheredge. Steerwrestlling, commonly called “Bulldogging: is a rodeo event. A horse-mounted rider chases a steer, drops from the horse to the steer, then wrestles the steer to the ground by grabbing its horns and pulling it off-balance so that it falls to the ground. It is a rather dangerous dream to some, but not for Etheredge.
A third generation of family-involved rodeo goers, picking what event Etheredge felt most comfortable with was a more significant question than actually doing it. “My mom was a rodeo queen and barrel racer, she met my dad through shows and picked shows based on what she was going to do,” said Etheredge.
When first bringing up the topic of his profession many initially confuse or ask Bay about Bullriding, not Bulldogging. The two events differ as one involves riding a bull and the other has no bull in sight! “You get beat to shreds in both events, it is more of a pick-your-poison kind of decision,” said Etheredge. Some get addicted to the thrill of the ride which makes the injuries and work worth it.
Growing up in this competitive atmosphere Etheredge did well in academics and sports when in high school. “I used the same mindset of safety and toughness when in school as I did when I worked on the farm” said Etheredge. Being highly dedicated he actually became a stellar athlete and student, this led to both scholarships he received to attend a junior college, and then transfer to the University of Montevallo to play basketball.
Graduating in the spring of 2021 with a business degree, Etheredge saw an opportunity to fall into the family line of rodeos. “I was not getting any younger, I knew if I wanted this full-blown experience I had to jump on it while my body was fit from college ball,” said Etheredge. While his time on the court left little time for practicing in the dirt, the two seem to have similarities that connected to Bay. “You have to be able to push past your breaking point in both, if you give up on the court you will fall behind, if you give up on the dirt you might fall and never get back up,” said Etheredge.
While this is an entertaining sport the dangers and sacrifices are far from slim. Being on the road for months at a time training and working to grow your brand is a lot. “I know some friends who are settled down and that is great for them, I just want this journey first,” said Etheredge. His mom jokes saying he lives a gypsy lifestyle because it is one so many enjoy but few understand. Although rodeo events are the official sport of the state of Texas, many numbers have fallen over the years of riders willing to compete in this community.
Some have questioned Bay on why he chose to go to college first if he knew he wanted to be in the ring for rodeos so early on. Why waste time while you are young just to get a degree you won’t use till later? “I knew I would have it for free if I took it with athletics, I have heard the longer you go without it the harder it is to get back into it, and finally I just wanted the best of both worlds,” said Etheridge. Thankfully that want was possible for Bay with the guidance and support of his parents and friends on the court and the dirt.
Self-care for all people in rodeos is very important, making sure not to overwork anything hurt, or mentally beat yourself about a race is something many people make the mistake of. “You can’t plan too far ahead, tomorrow is not promised, could wake up in the hospital because a horse kicked me into the air. “At the end of the day you have to go one breath at a time until God calls you up for your next journey,” said Etheredge.
While the future seems open for Etheredge, many people still follow his social media pages in order to keep up with his journey and successes. Many of his upcoming and planned rides are posted on the stories of his social media pages.
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