Jesse Bail couldn't think of a good way to describe himself at the 87th Annual Fiesta de los Vaqueros.
But judging from his 80-point performance in the saddle bronc riding competition Friday that put him in a tie for fourth overall, he's a pretty good cowboy.
In fact, the 15-year veteran was ranked seventh in the world standings for that same event last year.
But that's not all he does.
"I ride bulls and broncs, I can bulldog (steer wrestling) or rope or whatever so I guess I'm a cowboy," Bail said. "I've done it my whole life; I've always done a bunch of events."
So in the sense of high school sports, he's the equivalent of a three- or four-sport athlete.
But for right now, Bail is focusing on saddle bronc riding after he suffered a "fluke" bulged disk in his neck about a year and a half ago during a bull ride.
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"It's a little easier doing one event," he said "It keeps me healthier it seems like."
Although, it's not like there's anything easy about hanging on to a bucking bronco for eight seconds.
However, even after his injury, Bail still has a passion for bull riding.
Immediately after his event, he hit the road to make a 12-hour trip to San Angelo, Texas, to compete in bull and bronc riding tonight.
He said this will be his first time on a bull since his injury.
"I'll get on a couple there but I doubt I'll ever go as hard as I used to," he said. "My body doesn't want to hold up for two events."
After that, he'll be back in Tucson on Sunday. His performance Friday all but clinched a spot in the finals.
The 32-year-old South Dakota native said he still ranches back home in Camp Crook and has such a passion for the rodeo because he grew up around it and it was all he ever wanted to do.
"I grew up on a ranch and my parents rodeoed," Bail said, "I've been around it my whole life and pretty much been riding calves and steers ever since I was a little kid."
Bail said his favorite part about rodeos is all the people he meets.
As for his favorite event, he said whatever he's winning at the time.
"It goes back and forth," Bail said. "Right now it is bronc riding because I haven't been riding bulls but that bull riding, you can't beat it. It's an awesome feeling and I'd say they're even."
Through the bulged disk and even a broken leg, Bail continues to have a strong passion for the rodeo and said, "It's an awesome way to make a living."
"I'll keep doing this as long as I can," he said.
If you go
• What: La Fiesta de los Vaqueros
• When: Today-Sunday
• Where: Tucson Rodeo Grounds, 4823 S. Sixth Ave.
• Today's schedule: Fifth performance. 11 a.m. - gates open; 12:30 p.m. Dodge Mutton Bustin' and Justin Junior Rodeo; 2 - 4:30 p.m. - ProRodeo Competition; 4:30 - 8 p.m. - Coors Barn Dance ($5 online or at the door)
• Today's ticket prices: $18-24
