Contributed Photo
West Hills College athlete Caleb Johnson had a great season as a saddle bronc competitor this year for the Falcons Rodeo team.
KING CITY — West Hills College (Coalinga) freshman Caleb Johnson of King City had a fantastic season as a member of the rodeo team.
Johnson, the 19-year-old son of Marc and Amy Johnson, excelled as saddle bronc competitor placing third in the West Coast Region of the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association in Las Vegas, and was one of five freshmen to qualify for the College National Finals in Casper, Wyo.
Johnson also competed in team roping at the collegiate level but became very efficient as a saddle bronc rider for the Falcons in his first season as a college student athlete. Johnson’s family has a long history in rodeo and Johnson began competing when he was eight year old.
“He has always wanted to do saddle bronc riding,” said Johnson’s mother Amy. “We always felt it was just a little more dangerous than the other rodeo events.
In saddle bronc competition the competitors never ride or draw the same horse and must be ready right out of the game for the eight second ride.
“You will lose points once out of the chute if you don’t control the horse once it starts to buck,” said Johnson. “As a rider I have to have my heels in contact of the horse above his shoulders. I am scored as a rider and earn from 50 points or more on the ride and the horse is scored too if he bucks in a straight line.”
Johnson is majoring in ag science and technology at West Hills and was an ag scholar this year and earned the prestigious ag scholarship at West Hills. Johnson is a graduate of the Monterey County Home Charter School.
This season Johnson won the saddle bronc event at home rodeo and was the Rookie Athlete of the Year at West Hills College.
As a member of the rodeo team, Johnson is coached by head coach Justin Hampton and saddle bronc coach Uhuru Adem.
“I would like to thank all my family, friends and my coaches,” Johnson said. “Without all the support and coaching, I would not have had the outstanding year I had.”
