Marshall Senger aims at Rookie of the Year, Event Wins in 2024

AIRDRIE, Alta. – PBR Canada has awarded the Rookie of the Year honor annually since 2017, starting with Coy Robbins, then Nick Tetz. Between them there are 22 event wins and a Canadian Championship.

With four events completed thus far in 2024, this year's group of rookies is starting to show their mettle, including Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan’s Marshall Senger, who has logged qualified rides and earned points at two of those four events.

Currently No. 13 in the standings, the 18-year-old is excited about the start to his season and is hoping to win both a Touring Pro Division and Canada Cup Series event in 2024, alongside the coveted PBR Canada Rookie of the Year.

“Just like everyone else, my dad rode bulls. He was more in the amateurs, nothing huge. But that is where I got it from,” Senger said.

“I started riding at my hometown rodeo in Meadow Lake, getting on there once or twice. From there I was addicted. I pushed through the amateur ranks, into junior bulls, then Bull Riders Canada (BRC). Finally making this big step to the big leagues.”

Going from just a couple events per year in his cow riding career, to competing in the BRC last season, Senger says that the moment he knew he belonged was winning a semi-pro event last season in MacGregor, Manitoba.

“I was the only guy to stay on two, and once I rode one in the short round, it just got me more hooked and wanting to ride those better bulls,” he said.

Beginning his Canadian campaign in Lloydminster, Alberta, Senger converted the first time he nodded his head in PBR competition, an 84-point ride on Desperado.

“I drew a good bull in the first round, and got him snapped,” Senger explained. “I just felt confident entering and making this step. I knew when other guys were going to move up, and I wanted to compete alongside those guys.”

What is most eye opening for Senger is the competition, and riding alongside some of his idols.

“You definitely know you're with the big dogs in the PBR. In the BRC, an 84 is likely going to win you the bull riding. In the PBR, an 84 is like an 8^th-place hole. Just that competition. Going against guys who have made the NFR, guys who have won the PBR Canada Championships. It’s going to take that much more to get on top and come out with a win.”

Senger relishes being around the guys he looked up to, including his neighbor, Cody Coverchuk.

 “Just riding against him is unreal,” Senger said. “Growing up I watched him ride and watched him win Canada twice, accomplishing things I am just dreaming of right now.”

Another rider he looks up to is veteran Aaron Roy, who often competes in some of the Manitoba BRC events. Senger said Roy was always welcoming to the younger generations of riders at those events.

He enjoyed talking to us young guys; he didn’t act like he was someone better than us, he had respect for us,” Senger said. “When I started entering the PBR, he was there, and I had someone to talk to right off the bat. He is obviously one of the best in Canada. It was awesome to have someone not act like they are too good for you.”

Committed to his goals, Senger said he is doing everything he feels he needs to do to be successful, from finding and getting on practice bulls as much as possible, to working in the gym and making sure he remains in good physical form for the demanding sport.

As for who he thinks he will be competing against for this Rookie of the Year title, he says he is keeping an eye on PBR newcomer Eric O’Flynn.

“We rode in the BRC together last year, and he was always tough to beat,” Senger said. “Even this year, he rode well in Red Deer, and he is taking a lot of bulls deep towards that whistle even if he is falling off. He is going to be the one you got to beat for that Rookie of the Year.

“I am dedicating myself to it. Getting on practice bulls when I can in the middle of the week. Go up to Vermillion a lot. Getting on at the college there. Getting on wherever I can. And then putting in the hours in the gym. Obviously if you aren’t healthy, you aren’t getting on. That is a big goal for me, sticking to a program in the gym so I can stay strong and healthy.”