"Riding For Jesus"
By Lizzie Dixey - IRN.Com

Wiley Petersen of Fort Hall, Idaho, rode to a victory "Riding For Jesus". "I am 23 years old, and a Shoshone Bannock member" said Wiley.
He just returned home from his latest competition in New Orleans, "Battle of the Bayou" he rode Mossy Oak Mudslinger for a 93.5 point ride in the final round to win it all taking home $29,055. He qualified to ride in the Bud-Light Million Dollar Bounty, held in Colorado Springs, Colorado next April.

Date of birth:  3/10/79
Place of birth:  Pocatello, ID
Hometown:  Fort Hall, ID
Height:  6'
Weight:  175 lbs
Ethnicity: Caucasian and Native American (Shoshone-Bannock)
Favorite music: Contemporary Christian
Hobbies: studying the Bible, working out, snowboarding and sometimes riding horses.

Here is his interview:

1. What attracted you to rodeo Wiley?
"The Challenge I guess, I was 10 years old, when I first entered a rodeo thanks to Rick Cutler, it was a Jr. Rodeo in Ft. Hall. Even though I didn't do good, the Thrill kept me coming back."

2. Who has made a major impact on you or your rodeo life?
"The biggest impact in my life was by my Gandpa, Archie Cutler, he used to ride bulls, and was always there supporting me, and helping me in the chutes, of just being there. And my family, they have always supported me."

3. Why Bull riding? PBR?
"Bull riding because, I don't know why, I tried Saddle Bronc, it just didn't work for me. And PBR, because I wanted to be the best of the best, there was the PRCA, but then the PBR came along."

4. I see you have a lot of friends, on the circuit.
"Yeah, Cody Custer is one of my closest friends, but I have a lot of friends."

5. Where is your next show?
"I'm not to sure as of yet, But I will let you know!"

6. I know that your a big believer in God, Why?
"Me being a Bull rider, I see it as my Avenue, it is how God shows his love. There is a God and a purpose in life. Were not here to just win a Gold Buckle then die, there is Eternal Life!"
It's ok to live a good life, with out Drugs and Alcohol!

7. What is one thing you would mention to a youth that would want to follow in your foot steps?
"To believe in yourself and God, to go all out, be willing to pay the price."

8. How do you prepare for your competition mentally & physically?
"during the week, I workout, I ride "Mighty Bucky" my practice bull." "God affects a lot of my riding, I pray, for Safety, and to do my best." "I think Positive, I have confidence, and God is there."

9. Do you look at yourself as a Role Model or a Celebrity?
"I hope that I'm more of a role model than a celebrity, I would hope I can make some little kids day by just saying hello, than being on TV!"


A special Thanks to Wiley and His Mother Tana, for making this Interview possible. And Congratulations!!
Lizzie - IRN.Com

Thank you Wiley for allowing us to share your pictures with our readers.  Peace be with you!