Luke Branquinho a Champion Again

Los Alamos steer wrestler Luke Branquinho is a world champion once again. Just like he was in 2004, 2008, 2011 and 2012. However, the process in which he earned the coveted title was unlike any of his previous four.

Branquinho, who was coming off a disappointed 8th place finish in 2013, was enjoying a scintillating start to the 2014 season when disaster struck at the Salinas Rodeo.

“I had a steer stop and it tore my lat tendon off the bone, had to go have surgery and get it repaired,” said Branquinho from his family ranch in Los Alamos.

At the time, Branquinho was leading the world standings, but the injury threatened to end his season right there. Doctors said surgery was needed and he would likely need about six months to recover. Undaunted, the popular bulldogger made it back in just four.

“I was doing things that were off the wall to make sure my body was prepared and ready. Therapy, going to the gym, trying to stay fit,” said Branquinho.

Sidelined for a significant stretch for the first time since 2005 actually turned out to be a blessing in disguise. In addition to receiving precious family time with his wife Lindsay and their two young sons, Mark Cade and Jameson, Branquinho was able to rest his body, which was has gone through the demanding physical rigors since joining the professional rodeo circuit in 2000.

“Four months off did my body so good, I was fresh” said Branquinho. “I was ready to go, I got to practice, I got to run 20 steers before I went to the finals, so I knew I was ready.”

Despite missing several months of action, Branquinho still qualified for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. He entered the 10-day competition in 8th place and quickly moved up to first place after the fourth round.

“Everything rolled great. I placed in 7 out of 10 rounds, won the average, which was a big hit and that just let me my 5th world championship,” said Branquinho.

After moving into first place, Branquinho stayed atop the standings and wound up winning the world championship by a comfortable margin.

“Winning one is special, winning four awesome, but this fifth one it probably means the most, just everything I put into it.”

The championship is the 5th in his illustrious career, leaving just one short of the all-time record of 6 held by Homer Pettigrew.

“Being in that company and category, it’s an honor and it’s special, but hopefully I have a few more in me before I’m done.”

Branquinho said he’s certainly not ready to hang up his hat. He said he’ll continue in professional rodeo until his body tells him to leave and when he feels like he’s needed at home.

Long one of the most popular cowboys on the circuit, Branquinho thanked all his fans, particularly those on the Central Coast, who have supported him through the years, especially over the last few months while he recovered from his injury. He also wanted to thank his family for their support as well, including his wife Lindsay, who tends to the children and family business while he spends countless weeks on the road.

With the 2014 season now over, Branquinho is back home in Los Alamos enjoying the down time. But he’s not resting on his laurels, since the 2015 season will begin shortly in just over a month. He’s hoping the new season concludes like the old season, with a world championship, which would be a record-tying sixth. He’s certainly the favorite going in.