Haeberle taking part in WRA finals

Viking’s Josh Haeberle has been chosen as one of two bullfighters attending the Wildrose Rodeo Association (WRA) finals to protect the bull riding competitors.

The finals are set to take place in Barrhead on Sept. 17 to 20 and will be the first finals Haeberle attends as a bullfighter.

“I am very excited because the bull riders chose me to be there to protect them,” said Haeberle.

According to Haeberle, he was chosen after he requested the WRA office place him on a list of bullfighters interested in working the finals. The top 10 bullfighters then vote to choose two bullfighters to attend the finals based upon knowledge of their previous work.

He looks forward to this opportunity and plans to continue practicing to become a better bullfighter.

In an interview with the Weekly Review early this year Haeberle, 18, said the most difficult part of bullfighting is all the bumps and bruises he has received while protecting the cowboys.

He said he doesn’t get scared but he does get nervous because he knows the dangers of the sport and understand that when things go wrong in the rink he has to be there to protect and, if necessary, save the cowboy.

“One of the best parts is when bull riders make a nice bull ride and you have a front row seat watching and cheering. Also helping them get off safe and sound makes for a good day in the arena,” he said.

Haeberle has been bull fighting for three years. He says he grew up watching his dad serve in the arena. He says he loves the work.