Mike’s rodeo career began, literally, in his own backyard in Adkins, Texas where his father produced jackpot rodeos twice a week. In 1966, Mike joined the Texas Youth Rodeo Association entering the bull riding, bareback riding and roped calves. In 1968 Bandy won the Bull Riding Title in the TYRA.
After a brief college career Mike focused on competing in open rodoes. Encouraged by his friends, Randy Magers, Don Gay and Robert Blandford, Mike joined the Rodeo Cowboys Association and began his Pro Rodeo career.
Bandy qualified for the NFR 6-times. In 1979 he won the Lone Star Circuit Bull Riding Championship. During his career Mike won or placed in all the major rodeos throughout the United States. Mike states, “I had one hell of a time”.
