The Whit Online

Issue date: 3/13/08 Section: Features

Media Credit: Stan Stolowski

"I have a self-destructive complex … I'm used to danger," said biochemistry major Charles Warrington as he held his breath and stepped foot into the inflated arena.
On March 10 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Mark M. Chamberlain Student Center played host to the first-ever bull-riding event. While no prize was issued for the longest time, several students took turns competeting for the longest time.

Despite the bull's intimidating demeanor as it waited in the red, white, and blue ring, there was no shortage of students eager to jump in and give it a whirl. Laughs and the occasional applause echoed throughout the Pit as confident students sat on the bull but were eventually thrown off not soon after.

Several observing students were questioning the bull's difficulty while noting that the bull did not seem to be moving too fast but that didn't stop the sheer number of students who were thrown off several seconds after starting.

"It was surprisingly difficult," said senior biology major Nick Ridgway upon finishing his record-setting 32-second run which was broken about an hour later, adding, "I held on for dear life."

Students who were brave enough to try and best the beast walked away with plenty of bragging rights but at the potential cost of sore thighs and an aching body.
"[My legs] really hurt … everything hurts," said Ridgway.

Many other students cited the bull's evident disregard for limb and dignity but they all said that it was still an enjoyable experience.

This first-time event was clearly a success and negative comments were few and far between. While it is not confirmed Rowan will host another bull riding event any time soon, it's safe to say that students will more than welcome the bull's return.

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