For young bullrider, it’s been a life of eights

The rodeo has always been in Octavius Christianson’s blood. From the moment he was born at 8:08 in the evening, he weighed eight pounds, eight ounces. Hence, his parents named him Octavius: the Latin number eight.

Now, he aspires to ride for eight seconds. After riding bulls for over 12 years, the ‘25 Columbia Falls graduate recently won the Montana state high school title. Next, he’ll be going to the High School National Finals, which takes place this July in Rock Springs, Wyoming.  

“The top four bull riders from every state go,” he said.

Christianson’s family has deep roots in both Montana and the rodeo. His family has lived here for “at least three generations,” he stated. His father used to ride bulls, but is now a judge at the Blue Moon rodeo. 

“I’ve ridden at the Blue Moon almost every week since I was a kid,” Christainson said.  

His younger brother, Brander Christianson, is also involved in the rodeo. He was the junior high state champion bull rider this year. 

Christianson also wrestled for Columbia Falls in the 126 pound weight class, arguably the most competitive weight class this year. 

“The guys in that weight class are built of lean muscle. They’re quick on their feet, they’re just athletes,” he said.  

Whether he’s riding a rodeo or on the mat, he utilizes the same mentality. 

“It’s intimidating under the lights. Remember to mentally prepare yourself beforehand. Ultimately, in either sport, it’s you against yourself,” Christianson said. 

While Christianson has certainly seen his successes, he’s also encountered major setbacks. Early in his sophomore year, a bull stepped on his leg at rodeo practice, breaking his femur.

 The injury set him back a year, but he took it in stride.

“It happens,” he said. It was a nine month recovery process. Doctors inserted a metal rod into his femur, he was on crutches for three months, and it took another three months till he was fully back to normal. 

Christianson sees rodeo as a growing sport, at least here in Montana.

“The crowds at the Blue Moon haven’t grown any smaller, if anything, it looks like they’ve grown to me,” he said.Recent statistics seem to support this upward trend of growth. 

  Christianson is going to attend University of Texas Permian Basin in Odessa, Texas this fall. He wants to become an electrician. 

His favorite part about the rodeo? 

“Friendships, the people I’ve met along the way.”