It was the spring of 1999. If we had to visualize, we'd say it was a day that started like many other cold, rainy days in North Dakota at the Berger Ranch. However, this day was different. A small spotted bull calf came into the world. He was branded 79 and spent the first 21/2 years of his life eating, playing and being a typical bull calf.

In the fall of 2001, this bull calf went to the PBR Nile Bullriding. As a two coming three year old, he bucked pretty well and was sent to the National Finals Rodeo bull sale where he was sold. From that point on, the bull branded 79 went to work bucking at Dallas, Fort Worth and Houston, Texas as well as Perry, Georgia, and Davie, Florida all before March of 2002.

On April 1, 2002, 79 moved to Joe Feaster Buckin' Bulls, owned by myself, Betsy Feaster and operated by my husband, Joe Feaster in Wisconsin Rapids, WI. Being April fools day, I thought it was a joke when he came off of the trailer. This bull was covered in mud and didn't look like he could play the part. He was scruffy looking and in addition, he was not supposed to be getting off of the trailer. Joe and our daughter, Tira, went to pick up several bulls in Iowa. While there, Joe was given the opportunity to purchase 79. An opportunity he couldn't pass up. Although shocked at his arrival and wondering how we were going to pay for him, I knew if Joe saw something special in him, this bull had a place with us.

79 was bucked for the first and only time at home in May of 2002. It was Mother's Day and an annual joke at our house. Everyone has come to know that Mother's Day is automatically designated as spring bullriding; my job being, to "mother" everyone else. A friend of ours was training pretty hard at that time and wanted something nice that should turn back. 79 got the call. He went two steps out of the chute, turned around to the right and threw our friend on the ground and ran him quickly over the fence. His power was amazing, and from that point on, the bull branded 79 was given the name, "Bionic Spot."

In the fall of 2002, Bionic Spot was selected to go to the WRCA Finals where he was named, Bucking Bull of the Year. From that point on, he never looked back and neither have we. In addition to the 2002 honor, he also received the title of Bucking Bull of the Year in the Wisconsin Rodeo Cowboys Association in 2004.

This bull has been bucked approximately 60 times and has been ridden only 6, putting those elite into the money every time.

Although his athletic ability has made him the focal point of much attention; his mannerisms have brought just as much attention his way. Dubbed, "The Playboy of the Bull Pen," this bull really does have it going on. Watching the contestant ride is exciting, but what comes after the ride is even more amazing. 79, spins hard and fast. For most contestants, this usually results in them taking a trip through the air. The next thing you will see is Joe on the back of the chutes, arms straight out, looking at this amazing bull telling him to stop. What's crazy is that 79 will do it. He will stop spinning and stand, chest out, head held up high, posing for the crowd. You may think it is just a coincidence that he stops when Joe tells him to, but many have tried to stop him the same way and he won't until Joe gives the command. He is one of kind.

On August 29, 2005, 79, Bionic Spot was retired at the Children's Miracle Network Bullriding Challenge in Wisconsin Rapids. It was an emotional farewell in his hometown but the time was right and we wanted him to go out in style. We have received offers from PBR and PRCA stock contractors to sell this great bull and although the prices were ones I couldn't fathom, no amount will take this bull away from our home. There are some things money just can't buy.

Like many athletes who retire, sometimes circumstances arise that change the best laid plans. After his retirement, the plan was for 79 to be used as the predominant sire for our breeding program at Joe Feaster Buckin' Bulls. Well, like I said, plans change. Just like Bionic Spots arrival, another bull has entered into our life, and with his additions our game book has needed to be tweaked. Blessed with the opportunity from some wonderful friends, 426, White Caps, a bull that has made several trips to the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, has found a new home in Wisconsin Rapids. This bull will now be taking over the role of breeding, and the Bionic Spot has graciously stepped down from this calling and will make his way down the rodeo trail once again.

If I were to guess, I think 79 is pretty happy about this change of plans. It's been hard watching him when the other bulls get loaded to make their way to rodeos. You can see he wants to go and he stands at the gate and sounds his bugle so loud it could wake the dead. He has a personality like no other and makes his wants known. He loves to be brushed, (preferably by woman) he loves to play, and he hates all other bulls except his adopted son, X1, Spotted Demon, who is following in his "dad's" footsteps as the 2005 WRCA Bucking Bull of the Year. They are one in the same.

Although he is back in the rodeo arena for the time being, Bionic Spots time for breeding will come. When it does, we can only pray that his calves will carry on his legacy; both in athletic ability and the personality that we have come to know and love. Like I said before, there is not another like him, he is a one of a kind!

He is, "The Playboy of the Bull Pen!"