Trell Etbauer hasn’t competed since a serious wrist injury the end of July in Deadwood, S.D. Still, the all-around cowboy who comes from a fantastic rodeo lineage has earned his third straight Linderman Award, given to the contestant who excells in both timed and roughstock events.

Trell is the son of Robert, a two-time saddle bronc riding world champion who, with brothers Dan and Billy, propelled the Etbauer name in ProRodeo with dozens of qualifications to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. Billy added five world championships with his 21 straight qualifications, and Dan earned 11 trips to the finals as a bronc rider and has been selected to serve as a pickup man in Las Vegas, an outstanding honor.

While the elder Etbauers made their names in saddle bronc riding, they’re all tremendously talented cowboys. The proof is evident in Trell, who competes in bronc riding, tie-down roping and steer wrestling. As a freshman at Oklahoma Panhandle State, he won the college bulldogging championship.

Since turning his focus to ProRodeo, Trell has been excellent. But there’s a fantastic work ethic that tags along with his tremendous athletic ability. That, too, is an Etbauer trait.