A True "Comeback Story"
The Bismarck State College rodeo team has been one of the top performing sports for BSC athletics. The men’s rodeo team recently picked up a first place win at University of Wisconsin-River Falls Rodeo and the women’s rodeo team picked up a third place finish. The team also has a national champion in tie-down roping, Tyler Hansen.
However, for some students, outside factors can compete with rodeo. Aerial Schaaf faces her own challenges and shows grit and determination of a true “comeback story”
Aeriel Schaaf grew up in Glen Ullin, ND. She is currently a freshman majoring in Automotive Technology. Schaaf got involved in rodeo by watching it on TV and attending the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas.
In April 2023, Schaaf was involved in a one-vehicle rollover. Schaaf and her friend were headed back to Hebron when they came across mud and her friend lost control of the pickup. She was ejected out of the driver’s side window at 70 mph. Schaaf suffered a traumatic brain injury. When Schaaf arrived at the hospital they did not think she was going to survive. Luckily the doctor was able to remove a part of her skull to make room for swelling. After the surgery she was then placed in a medically induced coma for a few days. After Schaaf woke up, she had to relearn how to eat, drink, talk and walk again. Schaaf’s recovery was days filled with intensive physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and appointments. A few days after receiving a fabricated bone flap she was discharged from Craig Hospital.
“It has shaped me into the person I am today by forcing me to keep pushing forward no matter how hard things get,” Schaaf said.
Schaaf credits the accident as her motivation to keep going.
She now competes on BSC’s Rodeo Team in barrel racing and breakaway events. At the Mystic Stampede on Oct. 2-3, Schaaf ran an 18.78 in barrel racing and a 4.3 in breakaway roping.
Her favorite part about the rodeo team is making new friends and making memories on the road.
Schaaf’s story shows the true determination, mindset, and grit of a come back story after a devastating accident motivated her to chase her dreams. Schaaf shows that if you have the right mindset you have the ability to achieve anything. Schaaf competed at the Iowa Central Community College Rodeo on Oct. 9 and 10.
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