BILLINGS — Seven-time world champion cowboy Dan Mortensen continues to tutor rodeo athletes from his old Northwest College stomping grounds.
Mortensen certainly knows what he’s doing. Six of his PRCA world titles are in saddle bronc, the other is an all-around.
Last weekend he was on hand at the Montana State Rodeo in Bozeman (Mortensen also competed at MSU from 1989-91). The 50-year-old is now Mr. Mom, so to speak, tending to three kids between the ages of 2 and 5.
And he’s still offering knowledge and advice to the ‘older kids’ at his alma mater in Powell, Wyo.
“There’s a long history in rodeo of people trying to carry on their tradition and to pass it down to the next generation,” Mortensen said. “The only thing you kind of ask in return is that they’re respectful, respect the history of the sport, respect the history that came before them. I think that’s the team’s strength, is that they’ve got really good kids.”
Mortensen, in his 11th year of retirement from the PRCA, admits his appreciation is as strong as ever for rodeo’s youth.
“It’s always fun to hang out with some young guys, too,” he laughed.
