By GAYLE WEBER

gweber@dailynews.net

PHILLIPSBURG -- Bullfighter Donny Sparks made his last go-round this weekend at Kansas' Biggest Rodeo.

The 27-year veteran of the sport will shelve his greased paint today, just hours after working the final rodeo of his career.

"I always thought I was invincible and I could do anything and it wouldn't hurt me," Sparks said. "I've been dealing with a back problem that I can't get over. When you can't bend over, you can't fight bulls the way that you need to fight bulls."

Even though Sparks no longer will be wrangling bulls, he promises to come back for the unique atmosphere Kansas' Biggest Rodeo provides.

"To come out in this farming country, these people that make their living off the land and to be welcomed like we are, you don't get that everywhere you go," Sparks said.

"They'd probably bring you into their house ... give you a place to stay, they trust you that much."

Sparks said he has worked Kansas' Biggest Rodeo for the last seven years and a few years off and on before that. He also worked the Jayhawker Roundup Rodeo in Hill City last week for the fourth year in a row.

Through the years, Sparks has worked with Greg Rumohr, a 20-year veteran of the Phillipsburg rodeo.

"It's a simple job when you have a partner like him," Rumohr said. "I know what he's going to do. He knows what I'm going to do. When you work together as much as we have, it's easy."

Sparks started in the business by partnering with his brother. They quickly became two of the most sought-after bullfighters because of their daredevil antics of jumping bulls. Sparks' brother retired three years ago and has stuck it out. Sparks hopes he can do the same.

"I don't know if I want to put my family through (a comeback)," Sparks said. "That's the hardest thing for my family, my wife. ... You never know when you leave home, it might be your last."

Sparks said many people have asked if his wife has urged him to retire. But since she likes to stay out of the limelight, she hasn't said much in regards to his retirement.

"She's been real good about that. It's the toughest thing in the world for her and my son," Sparks said. "She says, 'When he knows it's time, he'll do it. I'm not going to say a word.' "

Rumohr said retirement isn't a far-fetched idea for him, either. He said saying goodbye to Sparks this year will be difficult for most involved with Kansas' Biggest Rodeo.

"It'll be a shame for people to say goodbye to him. They probably won't believe it," Rumohr said. "I don't know who they'll get to replace him. I hope they get somebody as good as Donny, but that'll be hard to do."

The bull riders have gotten to know Sparks through the years, and Weatherford, Okla., bull rider Corey Navarre said it's always good to see him at an event.

"When it comes to being in the arena, he's there for us every time," Navarre said. "You always hate to see great bullfighters leave the sport, especially when they're still getting on (bulls)."

Sparks said even though he might look like he's still in shape, his body is telling him it's time to hang up his suspenders for good.

"I wish I could do this forever, but I've found out I can't," he said.

But one thing is for sure: "I'm not going to miss these bulls."