 But they pulled together by raising money to address the AIDS crisis. Many found lifelong friends and belonging. Villanueva, the professor who competes himself, says it's helped him feel in touch with his small town upbringing while challenging the aspects of hypermasculinity. I roped a steer in Phoenix for the first time and my husband was there and he just gave me a big hug and kiss on the cheek. Still, he worries about declining attendance and whether the younger generation will get involved.