“An Excellent Sport”: Rising Rodeo Star Reveals Track and Field’s Impact on Preparing for Bull Riding Career

A star in the world of saddle bronc riding and bull riding, Connor Murnion, a rodeo sensation born in Jordan, Montana, has been making waves in the professional rodeo circuit. His performances in 2022 at the Belt (Mont.) PRCA Rodeo and The War Bonnet Round Up (Idaho Falls, Idaho) further cemented his status. The 27-year-old now has even higher goals in mind as he prepares for the professional rodeo season of 2024.

Reflecting on how his varied athletic background has influenced his journey, he strives to advance and establish himself as one of the rodeo elite. In a recent feature, he shared a crucial prelude to rodеo success.

Rodeo sensation sets sight on next year’s goal

Connor Murnion wants to leave his mark at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. A 406 MT Sports article shared that before entering the heart-pounding world of rodeo, Murnion competed in football, basketball, and track and field at Garfield County High School. Although his skills in basketball and football were impressive, his legacy in track and field stands out the most.

Thinking back to his days in track and field, Murnion stated, “It’s similar to rodeo. It’s just you in your individual race. Nobody makes you do it in practice but yourself. You can go 20% or 100%. You get out of it what you put into it. Track is an excellent sport.” This realization emphasizes the mental and physical training that set the groundwork for his eventual success in the competitive world of professional rodeo.

His prime qualities—speed, agility, self-control and hard work earned him victories in sports including long jump, the 200-yard dash, and the Class C 100-yard. Having used the track as his first testing ground, Murnion is now looking to carry the wave into the upcoming rodeo season in an attempt to secure a coveted spot at the WNFR. Despite his humility, he remains a fans favorite having showed his prowess in rodeo over the years.

The flurry of monetary wins

With a career earnings total of $130,178 since starting his career in 2018, Murnion has achieved notable standings in 2022. He earned $41,241 (AA), $6,785 (SB), and $64,614 (BR), placing 20th in the All-Around, 76th in Saddle Bronc, and 33rd in Bull Riding. In addition to wins in Bull Riding at the Rodeo Grand Island and co-championing at the Dixie National Rodeo, his 2023 highlights also include victories at the Chase Hawks Rough Stock Rodeo and the Dixie National Rodeo in the All-Around category.

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His notable career highlights include finishing 20th in the all-around world standings ($26,897), and 56th in bull riding ($21,273) in 2021. He was also consistent in 2020, placing 85th in saddle bronc riding ($2,551) and 52nd in bull riding ($13,726). While in 2019, he finished 113th in bull riding ($10,330). Murnion’s record confirms his position as the leading man in the professional rodeo circuit.

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