Some Survived Normandy, Some Survived the San Angelo Rodeo

SAN ANGELO, TX — A patriotic atmosphere filled the coliseum on Thursday night during the 5th performance of the 91st Annual San Angelo Rodeo. Following a beautiful rendition of our national anthem, the announcer brought out David Silva. The 98-year-old World War II Veteran and one of the last remaining survivors of the invasion of Normandy walked out to thunderous applause.

In their best imitation of our American Soldiers during World War II, the Cowboys showed tremendous grit and courage against ill-tempered animals tonight. In Saddle Bronc Riding, more often than not, the broncs got the better of their riders. One of the only survivors in the Saddle Bronc, Wyatt Casper out of Miami, Texas, overcame the odds and posted a Top 2 finish with an 86.

Then came the bulls. Tonight the 1500-pound monsters were in worse moods than usual, and it showed in how they treated the cowboys on Thursday night. Time after time, the bulls won their battles. The Bull Fighters separated the bulls from their riders just for the bulls to turn back around at the gate and charge the riders again. In fact, even the dummy in the barrel had a rough night when an angry mass of bone and muscle tossed it into the air. 

Oklahoman Cowboy Dekland Garland hopped on the bull, “Smokin’ Again,” a bull with an insane one-loss record. Despite the intimidating task in front of him, Garland changed the game. He courageously overcame the challenge before him to score an 88.5, the top ride so far in the entire rodeo.

San Angelo LIVE!’s Matt Trammel tracked down Garland after his victory and asked him to break down his victory over such a notorious bull. It’s Bull Riding, presented by First Financial Bank.