Kelsey Johnson competes in roping events for the rodeo team. Members of the Cal Poly San Luis Obispo rodeo team have won three national individual titles in the last two years.  (Stephen Osman / LAT)

Johnson chases down a calf while practicing breakaway roping.  (Stephen Osman / LAT)

Johnson ties the legs of a goat during practice. “We’re at the arena all the time,” Johnson said. “It’s a full-time job, pretty much.”  (Stephen Osman / LAT)

Ben Londo stretches before a ride on a bucking bronco during practice at Cal Poly. He is the country’s top collegiate rodeo cowboy, and has been the all-around champion at the National College Rodeo Finals in 2005 and 2006.  (Stephen Osman / LAT)

Londo makes last-minute adjustments to his saddle before riding a bucking bronc. “Ben is very self-sufficient, and I see him doing some pretty serious rodeoing for a couple of years after he graduates,” said the team coach, Tony Branquhino.  (Stephen Osman / LAT)

Cuesta Community College student Francis Borden rides a bucking bronc while practicing with the rodeo team. Although Borden is not a team member, he helps out at the school.  (Stephen Osman / LAT)

Casey Smalling gets unwanted attention from the bull that has just thrown him during practice.  (Stephen Osman / LAT)

The rodeo team practices breakaway roping. Team members tend to spend a lot of time together, even when not practicing, said Londo. “It’s kind of hard to find a lot in common with people who aren’t as dedicated as us.”  (Stephen Osman / LAT)