Retired-rider to participate in other ways at PBR event

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GONZALES — The draw is set and the riders and bulls have been matched up for tonight’s and tomorrow night’s PBR Gonzales. Fans can’t wait for the eight seconds of exhilaration spread throughout two days. Among the fans will be none other than recently retired PBR athlete Luke Snyder.

Although Snyder won’t necessarily be riding on any of these beasts this weekend, he will be a big presence in the competition, helping out anyway he can at PBR Gonzales, meeting with sponsors, co-announcing and anything else he can think of besides actual riding.

Snyder gained many accolades during his bull-riding days. When listing a top three, Snyder considers winning Rookie of the Year in 2001, winning the World Finals event in 2001 and claiming the title of Last Cowboy Standing in 2011 as his best moments in his career.

Snyder holds the record for having competed in 275 consecutive Built Ford Tough Series (BFTS) events. According to a PBR article in August 2013, his 913 career outs is also an all-time BFTS record.

The 13-year pro has since retired, citing the fact that “goals change[d]” for him.

“Everyone knows when it’s time,” Snyder said. “To do it for 14 years, it’s fortunate. Things change. I have a baby girl due in September. Goals change.”

Even though he doesn’t necessarily ride anymore, Snyder still travels, working full time with Bass Pro Shop and staying connected with PBR.

There are “certain aspects” of bull riding he misses but Snyder did mention how he’s “not sore as much” and “can’t complain one bit,” about the way his body feels now.

The last time Snyder has been to Gonzales was in PBR Gonzales 2010.

“Bo Davis always throws a first class event,” Snyder said of his times spent with Davis. “It’s well run and well put.”

Snyder said how much he loves working with Davis, owner of DVS productions.

As for what he’s looking forward to tonight and tomorrow, Snyder says that he’s “still a fan” of PBR and he can’t wait to watch the riders do their thing.

“I always look forward to watching the bull riding and catching up with friends,” Snyder said.

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