In the relatively short time since Mr. Nielsen first tried rodeo, that attitude has served him well. The National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association, which governs college rodeo, isn’t part of the National Collegiate Athletic Association, so student-athletes aren’t required to compete as amateurs. The 24-year-old Mr. Nielsen took a winding route to his college rodeo career. After the mission, Mr. Nielsen returned to his home state of Utah, putting off college to make some money working in oil fields. A rodeo scholarship brought Mr. Nielsen, who began his career on the professional circuit, to the school.

Source: Wall Street Journal June 10, 2017 10:52 UTC