It was a year away from home, rehabbing an injury and reflection for 2024 Lowry High School graduate and Humboldt County cowboy Billy DeLong.
A knee injury at the 2024 Nevada High School Finals Rodeo in May cut his season short.
To prevent further damage to his knee, he decided to forgo the National Finals to heel his injury and get ready for his freshman year at New Mexico State.
DeLong missed most of the rodeo season in his first semester at the school but that was nothing compared to what happen later. DeLong’s father, Will, passed away from a shooting at the family ranch.
Into the spring, DeLong got his body healthy and with his father in his mind, he battled to earn a spot in the College National Finals Rodeo, which just concluded in Casper, Wyo.
DeLong finished the week with three clean runs in the saddle bronc, just missing out on advancing to the short go-around. He New Mexico State freshman finished 13th in the nation.
He placed 20th in the first go-around with a score of 67.5 points and was 20th as well in the second g-around with the scores improving. He was given 72 points in that performance. In his final ride, DeLong tied for 15th with 66 points.