He added that he feels the same way about the U. S. as a whole.
“ The main difference between America and Europe, in my opinion, is if you really want something, no one is closing any doors on you,” Herberstein said.“ If you ' re crazy enough to try something, try it, and people will be there to help you.”
Eight seconds of glory
That something Herberstein was“ crazy” enough to try? Competing as a rodeo cowboy.
He was introduced to the sport through Lion rodeo team head coach Dameon White, who taught one of the first classes Clemens attended on campus. White actually approached Herberstein to gauge his interest in joining the rodeo team.
“ Clemens is a great young man and he ' s like a sponge. He wants to learn everything about his event,” White said.“[ He ] has come a long way and he will go a long way in rodeo.”
The sport intrigued Clemens, so he decided to give it a try. Since he had never even sat atop a horse in his life, learning the ropes of saddle bronc riding – one of the most dangerous and physically demanding competitions in rodeo – was no easy task.
During a saddle bronc event, riders need to stay on top of a wildly bucking horse for eight seconds while only holding onto the reins with one hand. Rooted in ranching history and the task of“ buck breaking” among working cowboys, this event carries a fair amount of risk.
“ It ' s been interesting, for sure,” Herberstein said.“ These horses are bred and trained to be able to throw you off their backs.”
But the danger is what drew him to the sport.
“ In saddle bronc riding, you have to put something on the line,” Herberstein said.“ If there ' s not something you have to risk, to me, there isn ' t much to gain or achieve. I don ' t know if that ' s the right way to approach things, but it ' s how I ' ve approached many things in my life.
You could say that Clemens certainly fits the bill of ein adrenalinjunkie – or an adrenaline junkie.
Putting his body on the line
Since joining the ETAMU rodeo team in January of last year, Herberstein has worked on getting the hang of the whole saddle bronc thing, which has been no easy task. After competing in several events, including the inaugural ETAMU Rodeo at the brandnew Spur Expo facility in late March, he had yet to make a final championship round in this event
“ It ' s really important to say that I am not good at my event whatsoever,” Herberstein said bluntly.“ I do have some things going for me, because I never gave up. But even through everything, the support I got from coach and the team has been great. I always had doors open to train, get feedback and try to get better.”
The time spent working on his craft was finally rewarded at the Trinity Valley Community College Rodeo on April 4, where he earned a spot in the final round of his event for the first time.
If he had a good ride, he could earn his first-ever college rodeo event victory.
The stakes were high … the lights were bright … he barely made it out of the gate.
Just before the chute opened, the horse jerked its head suddenly and violently, yanking Clemens ' left arm holding the rein, tearing his bicep. It was a serious injury that left him no chance to finish his run. He quickly tumbled to the ground, his chance at victory gone.
PHOTO COURTESY OF CLEMENS HERBERSTEIN /
EAST TEXAS A & M MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS
What ' s more, the injury effectively ended Herberstein ' s college rodeo career. He is about to age out of his eligibility with the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association, which only allows riders to compete within six years of their high school graduation, placing an age cap of 24 or younger for most students. Clemens is now 25.
With his left arm in a sling, he said he is having surgery soon. While his time as a rodeo cowboy is over, he isn ' t letting that dampen his outlook on his time in a blue and gold ETAMU vest.
“ Play the game, take the pain. It ' s just kind of what you do,” Herberstein said.“ It ' s a privilege to be part of the team. I honestly feel that joining the rodeo team and learning to ride and compete has been one of the best decisions I ' ve made since coming here.”
So, what ' s next?
Now, it ' s all studies for Herberstein, who looks to complete his bachelor ' s degree in a year or so. After that, he says he ' d like to stay in Commerce to study for a master ' s degree. Either way, he wants to remain in America and in Texas.
“ I really just want to stay here forever if there ' s a way for me,” Herberstein said.“ I love this place.”
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