LAS VEGAS (October 20, 2010) - Canadian Jesse Byrne knows his heart will be racing and his palms sweating when the first chute opens at next week’s PBR World Finals in Las Vegas.
The three-time PBR World Finals Dickies DureBullfighter also knows he’ll be in elite company once again as he works in concert with three of his longtime heroes: Joe Baumgartner, Frank Newsom and Shorty Gorham.
That veteran trio has 46 years of combined experience in protecting the world’s best bull riders, a fact not lost on the 24-year-old Byrne.
“They are legends to me and I’ve looked up to them and tried to emulate them over the years,” said Byrne, who lives 30 minutes south of Calgary. “They’ve really taken me in and have had my best interests at heart.”
Byrne, who is getting married in December to Lauren Chad, said he was able to work six of the Built Ford Tough Series events this year, which gave him more exposure in front of the world’s best bull riders.
“For those guys to select me to the Finals is a real honor,” he said.
For Gorham, it’s a “relief” now when he gets the call from PBR headquarters to say he’s been selected to work the World Finals.
“Growing up, that was your dream – to get to go to the Finals,” said Gorham, who resides in Cotulla, Texas. “So the first time they call and ask what size jacket you wear, you are thrilled. You’ve finally made it. Once you go, the next year you begin to wonder if you are still good enough. And every year after that is the same.
“So it becomes more of a relief because you don’t see any of the guys who are trying to get your job, so you don’t know what your competition is. At the same time, it keeps you honest and doing your best every time.”
This year marks Gorham’s fifth year working the PBR World Finals.
Newsom, who lives in Paul’s Valley, Okla., said this group of bullfighters has developed a one-of-a-kind chemistry over the years.
“It’s the best teamwork I’ve ever seen,” said Newsom, who has fought bulls at eight PBR World Finals. “I’ve been doing this for 18 years and this is special. No one tries to do it by themselves.”
Baumgartner, of Red Bluff, Calif., has worked every PBR World Finals dating back to 1994.
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