For most, eight seconds is about how much time it takes to check a phone or answer an easy multiple choice question.  But not for Kyle Kucas; these eight seconds are spent gripping for dear life on the back of 3,300 pound bull.

Kucas didn’t wake up one morning and decide he wanted to hop on top of a bull or wrestle a steer. He started off as an observer, far from the physical aspect of rodeos. Watching his friends who competed in these events became the gateway for Kyle’s newly found pastime.

“Two of my buddies used to ride bulls and I liked watching them. A couple of them wrestled steers and what not so I just started going over there and helping out. It was really fun so I decided to try it myself,” Kucas explained.

A two year vet to the rodeo world, Kucas wasn’t always the confident rider he is today. His first time was a bit nerve-wracking but he had no problem hitching himself up on the bull.

“I was pretty scared,” Kucas admitted.  “A lot of my friends said that they day you’re not afraid to get on a bull is the day you should stop riding. So I mean I was a bit nervous but I kinda cowboyed up and went on and got him rode.”

Ever since bull riding has become a dedicated venture for Kucas. Naturally, his parents support him in his endeavor but not without some fear from an anxious mother.

“My dad thinks it’s cool,” said Kucas, “but my mom’s more nervous about it. She videotapes me so she always says it’s happening through the camera lens, so it’s on TV it’s not actually happening.”

In the future, Kucas hopes to become more actively involved in competitions for Professional Bull Riding or PBR. All together it consists of eight events: All- Around, Bull Riding, Bare Back Riding, Team Roping, Tie Down Roping, Steer Wrestling, Saddle Bronc Riding, and Barrel Racing.

“I only compete in Bull Riding and Steer Wrestling. Right now I’m starting to rope but not competing with that yet.”

Throughout his training, Kyle has spent countless hours on perfecting his riding and wrestling, with a current record of 5.10 seconds on a bull. Even though he has seen his fair share of the ground, getting back up and going at it again speaks for his determination.

“It definitely takes time to get the techniques down. You need to really pursue it. You won’t get your eight seconds on the bull without practice. I go to New Jersey every other Sunday to this bull riding school, Luck of the Drawl. Pretty much I just get on his bulls and ride them all day,” Kucas explained.

Being up close and personal with animals that weigh close to a ton has its dangers. In hopes to avoid injury, Kyle makes it a priority to have on proper riding gear in the arena.

“They’re just starting to come out with a helmet made for bull riders. Right now I’m just using a regular hockey helmet and of course chaps. I also wear this TK vest which is hard plastic in the front and back so that if the bulls step on me they just kinda slide right off.”

However even with these safety precautions, Kucas has had his fair share of scuffs with the bulls. Having had “a broken hip, two concussions, a broken wrist, and a dislocated finger,” he has faced various injuries but still continues to pursue his passion.

“Right now it’s just a hobby and I have fun doing it. For the future I do want to own my own dairy farm.”

As for a career in the rodeo business, Kyle is headed towards a more hands off approach.

“I’m looking at going to either Del Val or Penn State for Dairy Science or Agri-Business.”

Whether it’s practicing or competing, Kyle Kucas is one busy rodeo guy. During the school day, he is one of the 3,000 other back pack toting students. But at night, he is Cowboy Kyle: trading algebra and biology for bulls and steers.