Very few incoming college freshmen can boast a national championship. Whitewood's Allen Auer is on that select list.

Auer captured the Senior Boys Bull Riding championship at the National Little Britches Finals Rodeo in Pueblo, Colo., on Aug. 1 He collected a total of 223 points on three go-rounds, including an 80 on his final effort.

The 2009 Sturgis High School graduate will attend Sheridan (Wyo.) College this fall on a rodeo scholarship and study welding.

"I was nervous, and I didn't know the bull," Auer said in describing his final ride. He said the bull took one jump, kicked a lot and jumped out just before the eight-second whistle sounded.

The first go-round started with Auer drawing a bull he had ridden in South Dakota.

"He jumped twice and came to the left flat and fast," Auer said of the bull. Auer collected 73 points for his efforts.

He said his second bull moved in a rapid circle and jump kicked. That ride ended with 70 points for Auer.

This season's South Dakota Little Britches rodeo schedule featured about 100 events. A competitor needed to place seventh or better in four rodeos to qualify for nationals.

Auer began to ride bulls as a 7-year-old. He rode many horses while growing up, and his father Patrick regularly competed in team roping events. Auer's sister, Becky, is a member of the Sturgis High School Rodeo Club.

"I decided I wanted to do it," Auer said of bull riding while he was growing up. He said his friends rode small bulls.

Auer has competed at the 4-H, high school and Little Britches levels. He has attempted all events except steer wrestling through the years.

"It's the adrenaline rush you get," Auer said in describing the appeal of bull riding. "Not everyone can get on a 2,000-pound bull all the time."

Auer aggressively stretches 15 to 20 minutes to prepare for a ride. Glove and helmet are secured, and the rope is then pulled tightly.

"Then, I hang on and have fun," he said.

The championship qualified him for an event at the Professional Bull Riders finals this fall at Las Vegas, Nev., on Oct. 30 through Nov. 8.