UI Students ride mechanical bull
Homecoming Week started off buck wild.
A mechanical bull was stabled in the Idaho Commons plaza mid-day Monday for all University of Idaho students to jump onto, after signing a waiver.
Nathan Romans | Argonaut
Parker Bryan, a UI sophomore studying architecture, rides the mechanical bull at the Buck the Aggies event at the Commons Plaza Monday. The event was one of many Homecoming Week events.
Buck the Aggies was the first of many Homecoming Week activities planned by the coalition of committees, led under the direction of Homecoming Committee Chair Jessica Greene.
“We wanted a fun, informational session to kick off Homecoming Week and make people aware that it’s happening this week, to start us off on the right foot,” Greene said.
Staying saddled for eight seconds during the Homecoming rodeo proved to be a challenge for many Vandals. The combination of a slick plastic saddle and ten levels of difficulty bounced dozens away from the powered animal, but students found the most success in working their hips.
“You gotta tighten your calves, tighten your thighs, and move your hips like you’re dancing to an R. Kelly song,” said UI sophomore Carter Brandstetter.
Greene said the event was not the first time a bull charged its way into Vandal Homecoming Week activities. The name Buck the Aggies was a throwback to a similar event called Buck the Broncos, which occurred the last time the Vandals played Boise State University during Homecoming Week, Greene said.
This year’s bull was corralled in by Jim the Jump Guy, as he refers to himself. He is a local business owner who deals in mechanical bulls, bouncy castles and photo booths. Greene said the collaboration began as a mutual beneficial partnership.
“He contacted us and asked if we would be interested in promoting his business, and in return we would get the bull for free,” Greene said.
Before Vandals would saddle up, Jim the Jump Guy dropped advice to the rider on how best to keep on.
“It’s not about strength,” he said. “Get close to the rope, slide forward, hand up when you are ready, and then just pretend like you’re on the dance floor.”
George Wood Jr. can be reached at [email protected]