B.C. bull rider is on his way to better things

Page 9

Over the years, British Columbia has offered up its share of great Aboriginal rodeo cowboys - Kenny McLean, the late Bob Gottfriedson, brothers Ben and Jay and sister Mellisa Louis, Shawn Henry, and Jack Palmatier just to name a few. Now, Shane Marlon Williams of the L'il'Wat First Nation could be ready to add his name to this list as his star rises at the rodeo.

The Mount Currie youngster is the nephew of veteran bull rider Burt Williams, his mother's brother, one of the province's better-known bull riders. Burt has been a guiding light for Marlon for most of the young lad's life.

"He's my mentor," boasts Marlon, who intends to pursue a professional rodeo career. Burt appreciates how 'keen' Marlon is and that he has some 'natural ability.' Along with Wayne Andrew, who coached Marlon a lot, Burt views Marlon as a good prospect, one who started young and has his heart in the right place.

Despite his young years, the 16-year-old is fast becoming a seasoned bull rider. Last year he won a gold buckle despite the older, more experienced riders at the Deadmans Creek Rodeo.

Then came his first real injury in May at the L'il'Wat Lake Rodeo "when a chute gate was not pulled open all the way." The bull burst out, slamming Marlon's arm into the gate. His elbow took most of the punishment, pulling his ligaments and ripping off a chunk of bone from the tip of his elbow. He had to have a screw put in, but now feels ready to make his return to the scene.

Marlon likes to be active with interests in basketball (he's an all star), hockey, track and field, soccer and weight lifting. He enjoys movies, the odd book, traditional drumming and singing, country music and his Aboriginal culture and language (St'at'y'emc) that his Uncle Burt instructs at school. His skill at soccer was a plus that paid off two years ago when Marlon went to Japan for a month to play against that country's teams, thanks to a cultural exchange program.

April's rodeo competition sees him in Vernon and on April 22 and 23 at Deadmans Creek. After that, it will be a hectic pace for him and his mom, Terri John, who helps him raise the money he needs for travel and entry fees. In all, Marlon hopes to compete at more than 20 rodeos in Washington, Alberta and British Columbia this year and has already qualified for the National Indian Finals Rodeo to be held in the fall.

Marlon's winning ways have attracted the attention and support of numerous local businesses in Mount Currie and Pemberton, including the Mount Currie Xito'lacw Community School and Wicked Wheel Pizza, as well as Whistler's Ron Berkner, the Market Place and Off Road Autobody. Also jumping on board is the Pemberton hotel, Pemberton taxi, Pony Expresso, Pemberton Junction Store, Busterino Pizza and Sophie's Flowers and Gifts.

Marlon's mom credits her son's meteoric rise in the sport to his ability and a mechanical bull the school invested in. For three years, Marlon worked out on that mechanical bull. In time, "he was able to perfect the mechanical bull at full speed," said Terri. "But it's broken down now," she added.

Marlon's mother has been impressed with her son's success and his recovery from last year's injury.

"The therapist couldn't believe the strength he has in his arm," she said. She's also proud that he has knowledge of his language and culture.

Young Marlon started his profession six years ago as a boys steer rider, then graduated to bulls a few years later. Calf roping, team roping and steer wrestling were other events Marlon experimented with, but it was the bulls that took his fancy. He likes the excitement, the crowd and the 'rush' he gets from rodeo.

"Ever since I was a kid, I wanted to be a cowboy," Marlon remarked.

But why bulls?

"A lot of people encouraged me. They thought I did wickedly [at it]. Everyone thinks I can do it well," he said.

Still, Marlon hopes to go beyond the bulls.

"My goal is to make it with the pros - totally." He a goal to someday be an All Around champion by also competing at calf roping, team roping and, perhaps, bronc riding.

"For the past two years, I've been at it in a serious way," he explained.

And why wouldn"t he? After all, he hails from a community and family that has long been married to the rodeo scene. His Uncle Pat used to run the local rodeo. His famous uncle, Burt, rode bulls for 16 years, and Uncle Larry?s three daughters barrel race. His sister Temera barrel races and his mom used to race thoroughbreds, but now confines herself to gardening so she can provide healthy, home grown food for her children.

In the long term Marlon plans to take up ranching and to raise livestock, especially bucking bulls - Brahmas, Angus, Charolais, and Herefords. In the meantime, Marlon, whose Indian name is Xalaq (to roll like a bear), will continue to work at the one activity he enjoys best - rodeo.