Champion Hollister cowboy competes in Salinas rodeo

Hollister’s Will Centoni cometes in just about every event you can think of.

“Calf roping, team roping, bull doggin’ (steer wrestling), bronc riding (and) bull riding,” Centoni said. “You definitely have to have people helping you out. Holding horses and warming horses up. And you’ve got to be mentally ready for your rough stock events.”

Born in Utah, then living in the Bay Area, Centoni moved to Hollister his Junior year of High school. There he grew his appetite for rough stock.

“Moved to Hollister, got into bronc riding, then did it through college,” he said.

He is now at Custa College where he qualified for the College National Finals Rodeo, called the Rose Bowl of rodeos, three straight years. After two years of disappointments, a breakthrough in 2018 as the men’s “all around” champion.

“It’s every kids dream to win the college finals. (And) go on from there. Winning the college finals is a huge deal for everyone. It helps you in rodeo when people start knowing your name.

The Central Coast’s newest champ is getting his name out there, competing professionally. Friday, in front of his family, just a short drive from home.

“There’s a lot of support. People I know in this area cheering me on. It’s awesome,” he said.

Maybe, soon, another title to cheer for.

“This is a huge rodeo and it would be awesome to win one here,” he said.

Centoni is coming in Saddle Bronc and Bull Riding at the 2018 California Rodeo Salinas.