ProRodeo Sports News - June 26, 2020

CATCHING UP WITH ... GLEN O’NEILL

Airborne AUSSIE

Mike Copeman photo Glen O’Neill made ProRodeo history with this 95-point saddle bronc ride aboard Franklin’s Airwolf in 1996 in Innisfail, Alberta.

Glen O’Neill going strong after career highlighted by historic 95-point saddle bronc ride

BY MATT NABER F or someone who doesn’t like to fly, Glen O’Neill has spent a lot of time in the air. At the age of 20, the Australia native flew to North America to pursue his ProRodeo dreams. He accomplished those dreams and plenty more. Flying from one rodeo to the next, he collected a pile of accolades and buckles including the world champion gold buckle in 2002. He also won the 1994 saddle bronc riding rookie title. O’Neill flew highest when he tied for the best saddle bronc riding score in ProRodeo history, a 95-point ride in 1996. And since 2014, his name has soared with the rest of the ProRodeo Hall of Fame inductees. “We flew in little planes when rodeoing, but I like to keep my feet on the ground,” O’Neill laughed. FLYING HIGH Born in Kempsey, Australia, on Jan. 9, 1973, it wasn’t long before the young Aussie was in the saddle. “We rode horses from 2-3 years old and lived in mountain-hilly country, so you had to learn to ride, or walk

ProRodeo Sports News 6/26/2020

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