SPORTS

Sunday Conversation: Beau Hill relishes NFR ride

Scott Mansch
smansch@greatfallstribune.com

Editor's Note: It's been 10 years since Beau Hill was riding bulls at the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. And now he's headed back. The Columbia Falls native will compete in the rich rodeo for the third time of his exceptional career when the best cowboys and barrel racers in the world gather in Vegas in early December. Hill, 35, has for decades been successful aboard bucking bulls. He's a three-time qualifier for the Canadian Finals and has four times earned trips to the Professional Bull Riders World Finals. Beau was back in Montana doing a little hunting this week, and Sports Editor Scott Mansch caught up with him for our Sunday Conversation.

Question: Congratulations on the upcoming NFR trip, Beau. I'll bet it feels good.

Answer: Thanks Scott. It's been good.

Q: What's been the part of this year for you?

A: I guess just knowing that I finally qualified. It was a long year and once I knew it felt pretty special.

Q: It's been a long time since you made it to the NFR. Did you ever think in the last few years that maybe you'd never qualify again for that rodeo?

A: Not really. I just haven't put a whole lot of effort into trying to qualify (because of his PBR commitments). This year I thought if I tried hard and went for it, you know, I could do it. It was a goal I had from the beginning of the year. I just went for it and it sure feels good to reach it. Now my goal is to go there and win the average.

Q: Are you feeling well, physically?

A: Pretty good. My wrist has been bothering me. I got some injections here this last week. I went to the Canadian Finals and it didn't feel very good. But I've had a few weeks off and I hope it will hold up down there in Las Vegas.

Q: Will your family be there?

A: Yes. It's going to be really special. My whole family will be there (wife Keri, and children Lakia, 12, Jace, 9, and Jory, 6 on Dec. 1). My kids are really excited to go and they'll be down there with me the whole time. It's pretty dang special. We're ready to roll.

Q: You're among the top bull riders in Montana history, Beau. What do you think of that?

A: You know, I haven't thought of that. I've looked up to a lot of guys from Montana who rode amazing. I'll think about it a little more when I'm done riding. But now I'll just take it one bull at a time and try to do the best that I can.

Q: You've had some injuries, I know, but never any terrible ones. I'm sure you feel blessed about that.

A: For sure. I've had my share of concussions. But it's part of the game. My wrist injury has definitely hampered me the last few years. You get to the point where you get used to it, but it's sure easier to perform when you're healthy.

Q: You were such a fine all-around athlete at Columbia Falls. Do you think that helps you as a bull rider.

A: For sure. These days, the new age of bull rider is definitely a lot different than back in the day. You're seeing a lot of these kids now come up and train and work on it. They're getting hitting the gym more like NFL players, much more than in the past. The kids are riding really good and I feel privileged to still be able to compete.

Q: I'll bet you're proud, too, of the Montana contingent that's qualified for the NFR. Dustin Bird of Cut Bank (team roping) is heading back there and Ty Erickson of Helena (steer wrestler) is going for the first time.

A: Yes. I was rooting for Ty the whole time there at the end. We were right on the bubble there to make it we ran into each other quite a bit down the stretch. We'd tell each "Good luck and hope to see you there." So I'm excited for Ty to make it as well, and then Dustin, he's had another heckuva year as always. I'm excited to be there with those guys, for sure.

Q: Did you get enough Montana Circuit rodeos in to make the Circuit Finals here in Great Falls in January? I know the fans sure hope so.

A: I did. So we'll see you in January.

Q: Our Circuit Finals here is a great show, isn't it?

A: I love it. Great Falls is just an awesome rodeo. It's a great time of year for everybody to get out and about. It's a great time and I always have a lot of fun there.

Q: That being said, there's nothing like the NFR in Las Vegas, is there?

A: It's a special feeling that I haven't felt for 10 years. So I'm going to take it in when I get down there.

Q: I know you're 13th in the world standings (with about $67,000 in earnings. The leader, Sage Kimzey, has $143,000). So you're got some ground to make up, right?

A: (laughs) Yes. There's a lot of money there and things can change pretty good. If a guy gets a few breaks and draws real good anything can happen.

Q: Thanks, Beau. Have a good hunting trip. Rodeo fans here are proud of you.

A: I sure appreciate it, Scott. Take care.