Towson alumnus Mike Herman lives his life eight seconds at a time – nine if he’s lucky.
Monday through Friday, he buttons up for his entry-level job inputting data for a customs broker by the Inner Harbor.
On the weekends, he hops in his pick-up truck, cranks up the country tunes and chases his dream.
He’s a rookie with the International Bull Riders based out of Union Bridge, Md. at the J Bar W Ranch, and to call him a professional is generous.
Through 10 competitions, he has yet to win any payout.
“It’s easy to turn pro in bull riding. It’s hard to make a living,” Herman said. “So far I haven’t made a dime.”
His early misfortunes haven’t deterred his passion. A Seattle-native, Herman regularly attended rodeos in the Pacific Northwest where he said the shows are very popular.
He remained a fan of the Wild West’s favorite pastime after his family moved to Maryland.
After graduation, he treated himself to a trip to the Sankey Rodeo School for a taste of the competition. He was immediately hooked.
“It’s easy to get addicted. It gets in your blood. It’s the adrenaline rush when you get out there on the bull and when you square up and ride it. There is nothing like it,” Herman said.
“I’m going to give this a try and see how far I can take it.”
While he hasn’t left with a check, he has departed each event with his health.
The worst injury Herman has suffered is a few broken ribs he sustained during a practice run when the bull stepped on him.
The worst he’s seen is a rider that was kicked in the face.
“It’s not if you get hurt, but when,” he said.
Herman describes entrance into a bull riding competition as betting against oneself. It costs $100 to compete and only eight of the 32 riders win a cash prize.
Only 10 of the competitors even get a chance to ride a second time.
The financial considerations are taken care of by sponsorships. Through a chance meeting, Herman met up with a local dairy farm that has offered to foot the bill for his entrance fees.
Much like NASCAR, bull riders receive sponsorship money in exchange for logos and advertisements worn during competition.
Professional riders on major national circuits are covered in logos, Herman said. Right now, all he has is a name on his sleeve.
Twice, so far, he earned an opportunity to ride a second time with a chance at finishing in the money.
On each occasion he was bucked off. In the next few years, Herman said that he hopes to receive his pro card and compete across the country.
Alumnus rides in spare time
Towson graduate works at getting his pro card as a bull rider and competing across the country
Published: Monday, March 23, 2009
Updated: Monday, March 23, 2009
 "Photo: Photos courtesy of Larry Ketron/Good Intent Graphics")
Photos courtesy of Larry Ketron/Good Intent Graphics
Towson alumnus Mike Herman rides bulls in his spare time while working during the week in date-entry for a customs broker in downtown Baltimore. Herman has not placed high enough to win a cash prize but hopes to get his pro card this year.
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