Sunday, February 26, 2006
Sorry I Have Been Gone
Saturday, February 18, 2006
Youth in Rodeo-Steven Back
Steven Back
Steve got interested in rodeo as he watched the cowboys ride in the rodeos his sister had entered.After talking with them he joined KY Jr Rodeo and entered Division 1 Chute Doggin',Bareback Riding, and Steer Riding where he first rode right handed.He won Rookie of the year in 2000 and was the Reserve Champion Steer Rider.In 2001 he was KJRA Lazy S Rodeo Rookie of the Year and in 2002 he was KJRA Bull Riding Champion and Bareback Champion.He again captured the Bull Riding KJRA Championship in 2003.In 2004 He was the Lazy S Rodeo All Around Champion,Lazy S Bull Riding Champion,KJRA Bull Riding Champion and the 2004 KY Wrangler Division Champion,Wrangler Division National finals Qualifier and made the Wrangler All Star Team.That's quite a record for a rider of only 4 years.He also won the Non-Pro Bull Riding Championship and the All Around Bull riding Saddle on the Young Guns Bull Riding Tour.In 2005 he again qualified for the Finals in 2005.
Steve switched to left handed riding much like his sister's idol the great 4X World Champion Tuff Hedeman.If you look at his pictures you will see that he has incorporated the styles of both Tuff and Chris Shivers in his form.Steve is perfect bull rider size at 5'8" and 140 pounds but he still has three years to go to make it to the pros and he may end up as tall as Owen Washburn or Jody Newbury.Either way I know he will still stick a good ride on them.
Steve is the opposite of his sister in that he loves Math but is not into History or Science.When not competing he likes games and Play Station. His favorite Bull Rider is Tony Mendes and his favorite bull is Camo. He loves a good Pizza and listens to country music.He said his favorite movie is "Cowboy Up"
Steve will be riding this year in TN,ILL,KY and OK and he hopes to qualify for the Nationals.He hopes to make the CBR or PBR at 18.
Steve and Brittany have Cherokee blood from their paternal grandmother's side . Watch out guys as I can see now that Steve Back is going to join the ranks of the Donnie Gay,Tuff Hedeman and Matt Austin.You can visit Steve's website at: http://stevebackky.tripod.com/
Pictures in this report and that on Brittany were supplied by their mother Rachel Back.
Youth in Rodeo-Our Future Stars
I would like to highlight two of Kentucky's talented riders here.They are Steven and Brittany Back of Nortonsville,KY.
Brittany Back was born in Madisonville ,KY and began barrel racing in the 4-H circuit.At age eleven she learned about KYJr. Rodeo and began riding there also. She learned a lot after her first rodeo turned out to be not all she had wanted it to be. With help from college rodeo students ,the backing of her mother and brothers and additional help from her instructors at the 4-H camp Brittany began to improve.Soon she was placing in the top ten and her mom Rachel and brothers Steven and Daniel helped her buy a new horse.
In 2002 Brittany was the Hopkins County Hippology winner.In 2003 was the Pennyrile area 4-H horse show barrel racing champion, the Hopkins County 4-H barrel champion, Hopkins County 4-H High Point Winner, and finished in the top ten in poles in the Kentucky Jr. Rodeo Association.Brittany won trophies in the KJRA also.Unfortunately in 2003 she fell off of her horse at the Finals and broke her jaw; causing her to sit out the following season.She returned to action in 2005 and is now participating in KY High School rodeo.
She may only stand 5'2" but this dynamo is going to be one to reckon with when she graduates from high school and heads off to the PRCA. I am also going to predict that she ends up with one or more Rodeo Queen titles. She is bright,loaded with personality and already has the boys drooling.
Brittany likes to read and to run and loves attending bull ridings.Her favorite barrel racers are Kelly Kaminski and Charmayne James. She's a salad,steak and potatoes girl who loves Coca Cola.Her favorite music is country and her favorite movie is "Rodeo Girl."
In school she loves history while her least favorite subject is math
Her hero is 4 X World Champion Bull Rider Tuff Hedeman and her heroine is a great role model for her-her mother Rachel Back. Rachel is like Tuff's mom and sacrifices time and money to take Brittany and Steven to events all over the country.
Brittany and her family got her new horse by cleaning out stalls for his previous owner.He is an 8 year old App/Quarter gelding named Montana and he is loaded with heart.
Brittany is a sophomore in high school with a good head on her shoulders.She will be competing in TN,ILL,IN and KY this year and she hopes tomake it to the National Finals. I wish her the best of luck.
Just a Brief Note
These articles are out of chronological order.I wanted to post the most recent first.Then I added articles going back to the 2005 CBR, INFR,PRCA,PRCA Xtreme Bulls and PBR Finals. Hope to have all the back entries up in a few days; and the newest ones.
Among the new articles will be bios of some local JR and High School riders of note.Watch for stories on Steven and Brittanny Back complete with pictures.
NFR 2005-Austin Wins Bull Riding's Triple Crown!
The 23 year old bull riding phenomena from Wills Point, Texas added the third jewel to Bull Riding's Triple Crown at the NFR when he won the PRCA's World Championship. Austin also won the CBR's World Championship and the PRCA's Xtreme Bull's National Championship. But this was not all for Austin.During the regular season he broke the record for most earnings in one season for bull riding held by Oklahoma's Terry Don West and went on to best Ty Murray's record for most money earned in one season period with earnings of $320,765 all from bull riding while it took Ty three events to set the former $297,896 record.Matt who attends Hill College won the College National Finals Rodeo and the event title at the Xtreme Finals along with the aggregate at the NFR.He has set a record no other bull rider has even come close to; and watch out guys as Matt is going for All Around next year!
American Indian Participants in Pro Rodeo/Bull Riding.
Some carry Tribal Nation memberships; some carry just CDIB cards while others like so many out here are of American Indian descent without cards.The common thread-they all rodeo. The 2005 WNFR is now over but there were many of American Indian blood among the top 15 riders in the various events.Others who didn't make the cut were there to sign autographs or just to root their friends on. Also at the Country Christmas Trade Show were Kendra and Preston Williams of Sterling on Silver,an Indian owned business.The Inter tribal Agricultural Council had its annual symposium there .My friend Carmella Scott was there to represent her tribal council and she gave me a list of some of the riders who attended the symposium or signed autographs .Among them were INFR's World Champion Marty Hebb and PRCA's Butch Knowles who hosted the symposium kick-off party.
Tee Woolman, a member of the Cherokee Nation and Fred Whitfield,who is of Cherokee/Afro-American descent signed autographs along with the Choctaw Nation's Blair Burke and Marty Hebb. At IAC's Prime Rib Luncheon the following riders attended: Blair Burke,Ryan Mapston,Billy Etbauer,Trevor Knowles, Cash Myers (Chickasaw heritage) , Myron Duarte (Hawaiian), Shawn Greenfield, Zach Oakes, Matt Marvel, Ronnie Fields, Fred Whitfield, Jesse Bail, Charley Crawford, Bobby Mote,Ross Coleman and Wiley Petersen(Shoshone /Bannock).
Autograph sessions for all those recognized by the IAC were held .Barrel Man extraordinaire Flint Rasmussen was also part of the session along with the riders. According to Carmella the session went well and Rowdy Buechner, Darnell Tipton,Tee Woolman,Zack Oakes, Ronnie Fields,Fred Whitfield,Dakota Longbrake and Marty Hebb were there to represent the IAC while Carmella had Darnell,Dakota,and Marty acting as models for her later and bid callers at the Art Auction.
NFR Results
Although he didn't win the tie down title, and finished 13th in the average, Shoshone -Bannock/Japanese rider Matt Shiozawa won three consecutive rounds during the ten days and felt really good about his draws and the way his horse's performed. I expect good things from this rider in the future.
Blair Burke started hot but finished 11th in the average While World Champion Fred Whitfield added another buckle to his collection"Singing" Fred Whitfield won his seventh tie down roping title just $4000 ahead of his friend four time World Champion Cody Ohl. Along with his All Around several years ago Fred now has 8 World Championships.You can catch Fred singing on The American Cowboy CD where he does a great job on "Calf-Ropin' Son of a Gun." Whitfield has promised to return next year a she tries to tie Deal Oliver's all time record of 8 World Championships in tie-down roping.
There were a lot of rookies at this year's NFR and several stole the show from the veterans.It was 21 year old Ryan Jarrett from Summerfield.GA. who won the All Around title by earning $114,715 in calf roping and steer wrestling.Lee Graves finished second while defending champion Trevor Brazile was third.Jarrett has the same attitude as Matt Austin.Jarrett just goes steer for steer ,calf for calf while Matt takes it jump for jump aboard the bulls.Graves won the aggregate in steer wrestling.Jarrettt won the average in tie down roping.
It was the last event for as a team for Rich Skelton and Speed Williams .After winning 8 consecutive titles they have decided to go their separate ways.The team Roping Titles were won by the Clay Tryan(header) and Patrick Smith(healer).The team entered the NFR in first place, set the NFR arena record and tied the World Record with a 3.5 run in Saturday's round. The Cherokee Nation's Tee Woolman and partner Cory Petska won the average in team roping.
Kelly Timberman and Cimmaron Gerke tied for first in the aggregate in bareback bronc riding but it was Will Lowe who won the world title.
Canada's Lee Graves won the Steer Wrestling Title.
23 year old Jeffrey Willert won the saddle bronc title and set an event record with $278,168 in earnings.Willert nearly lost his everything two years back in Reno when a horse kicked him in the head and he suffered nerve damage and loss of sight in his left eye.The fact that he was able to return to riding let alone win this title shows the courage these modern day warriors have.Rod Warren was the aggregate winner.
Former teacher and barrel racer Kelly Kaminski won her second World title in a row aboard her great horse Rocky while Liz Pinkston won the average.
Matt Austin led the pack coming into the NFR and topped off his stellar year by winning the World Championship in bull riding along with the average.
Bull of the Year was one of my favorites; the great Smokeless War Dance owned by Broken Arrow Rodeos.This bull is the ultimate eliminator with 44 unridden trips prior to the NFR.Flint Rasmussen was C;own of the Year but announced prior to the NFR that he has signed an exclusive contract with the PBR for 2006.This was his eighth straight title and his seventh for Coors man in the Can.PRCA fans are sorry Flint has left them.Joe Baumgartner was Bullfighter of the year while Stace Smith was Stock Contractor of the Year.
Miss Congeniality was Saddle Bronc of the year while Real Deal was the Bareback Horse of the Year.
Friday, February 17, 2006
Colby Yates Wins Nashville ,TN Enterprise Event
There were no pyrotechnics at this PBR event and there were no autograph sessions for the fans but there was a lot of action.Two brothers from Charlotte,TN who have rode at Scott Littrell’s Circle 13 events tried there luck here. The first out was Trey Allen on Watermelon Spoke who took two leaps straight out then spun to the right away from Trey’s hand with lots of action. Trey scored 86. Brother Tye didn’t fare as well as Shadow of a Doubt, a really small bull, bucked him off right out of the chute.
Montana’s Beau Hill rode Frontier Rodeo’s Slim Shadow for 84 points as the bull spun to the left into Beau’s hand then reversed right at the end of the ride. Tommy Jones, an upcoming Tennessee rider scored 80 on a really awful bull named Dreamboat. In a BFTS event this would have been a reride! The bull had a loping, choppy buck as he barely faked right or left.
South Dakota’s Trinity Dunkelberger scored 86.5 aboard Dale Lyons’ Rudolph. Donnie Gay had some cute remarks to make about this bull. Rudolph spun to the left then reversed right in a low spin and Trinity made it look easy.
We even had a rider from as far away as Eden Prairie,Maine.I used to summer in Maine but never had heard of that town and was unable to find it on the map; and I didn’t get a chance to talk with Matt Dunsmore to ask him where it is. He only scored 79.5 on Mike Barber’s Caribou Snuff who took one leap out then went into a flat spin to the left away from Matt’s hand before reversing right into it. Again I thought this should have been a reride.I will say I am glad that the Enterprise series uses the traditional scoring method rather than the new way of quarter points the BFTS uses.Personally I do not like the new method.
Ronnie Maness of Henderson, TN. Scored 80 aboard Jett who spun to the left in front of the open chute.Jett had no timing and was flat with no kicks .Another ride that should have been a reride.
Jed Moore from Cheyenne, Wyoming scored 80 aboard Elmo who went into a fast but flat spin to the left and was almost a carbon copy of the previous ride. Riders whom the fans are familiar with as Tanner Girlietz,Thomas Bert, Colt Munden,and Craig Sasse all bucked off their bulls.Craig Jackson was awarded a reride when they opened the gate before he nodded aboard Clayton. Clayton was reloaded and took one leap out then went into a fast spin to the left and Craig lost his rope; flying out the back door.
Chance Riley was awarded a reride when Fear Factor fouled himself. The bull nearly flipped over on Chance.Chance had no luck as his reride bull did fall over and he bucked off the third bull but the judges missed the bull hipping himself.I don’t know if it was the guys opening the chute gates or what but more bulls hit them than normal.
I never got a moment to speak with Mike Collins .He drew Dan Russell’s Game Boy who took two huge leaps forward then spun to the left away from Mike’s hand with no timing to send Mike to the dirt early.McNasty had his usual trip as he sent Oklahoma’s Jason Creekmore to the dirt .McNasty was totally wild , jumping sideways.
Jay Morrow scored 65 and got a reride as Love Tap faked left then right then left again with no kick or real buck.His reride bull bucked straight down the arena with belly kicks and he scored 68 with another option.He bucked off his third bull on the fourth leap.
Klint Powell had the same luck as Chance Riley as No Satisfaction took a huge leap out and fell down.Klint got away and the bull was mad!He stood their pawing the ground wanting to get a piece of someone.Donnie joked about the bull being embarrassed.He drew Shadow Me as a reride and the little bull bucked straight-out of the chute totoss Klint off.
Another TN rider Cody Rhoda scored 87.5 as Punk spun to the right in a choppy spin leaping forward as he spun.Cody moved leap for leap and looked good.
Oklahoma’s Trevor Kastner scored 86 aboard Ringo who traveled out to the left then went into a fast left spin with lots of action.The crowd felt this ride deserved more points.
Marvin Nixon’s Uncle lawn hipped himself as Cord McCoy came out on him and Cord was given a reride.The reride bull went straight down the arena in a lope and turned right at the fence.Cord scored 60 with an option.His next reride was a little better with a much better score as the bull bucked straight towards the right then reversed to the left.Cord scored 81.5 as this bull had some action.
Arkansas’ Sam Medlock scored 88.5 in a great looking ride aboard Dirty Martini who spun to the lef tinto Sam’s hand then hesitated and jumped forward before returning to a left spin.Sam had perfect position and never bobbled.
Chicago’s Brady Menge scored 74 aboard Baby Mash and again this would have been a reride elsewhere as the bull didn’t do enough to give the rider a chance to score well.The bull made a wide circle to the right then traveled along the chutes beforereversing left at the end.
Colby Yates was great aboard Nixon’s Black Jack.The bull spun to the left into Colby’s hand with lots of drop and kick .Cody spurred aggressively and kept that free arm out in front.He scored 90 and was the leader going into the short go. I was disappointed that although he was advertised Jerry Nelson’s Bad Boys Toys was not at the event. Big Bucks was at Tuff Hedeman’s West Texas Shoot Out but Jerry still had great bulls here and all ten in the short go were from Frontier Rodeo.
Beau Hill made a great ride for 91 points aboard California Dreaming.I really like this bull.He went right into a fast spin to the left into Beau’s hand then reversed right with lots of kick and action.This put Beau into the lead in the event with 175 on two head.
Trinity Dunkelberger scored 86.5 aboard H2 to give him 173 on two putting him in third place in the event.H2 went into a super fast spin with good action that reminds me of Herrington’s Blueberry Wine.
Sam Medlock drew Rattler ,another good bull, and scored 86.5 to tie with Trinity for 3-4 in the event.Rattler took one leap out then spun to the left while Sam spurred aggressively. Colby Yates rode Society’s Child for 89.5 points which gave him the win with 180 points on two.The bull spun to the right away from Colby’s hand then reversed left into it as Colby made a text book ride.
It was good to see Terry Don West here with Dan Rustle’s Western Rodeo bulls.Terry had said on Friday that he has quit riding but that gleam was in his eyes Saturday and he admitted the desire is still there.I hope we do see Terry back riding.Meanwhile he is working with Dan and also raising his own bulls and running his own events. His Ultimate Bull riding will be held March 31&April 1 in Muskogee ,OK. And you can get more info by going to www.terrydonwest.com
Last minute word has it that this win will send Colby to the BFTS Tour.
PBR's Nashville,TN Enterprise Event Round One
One of the most under rated riders who is coming up in the ranks,Wesley Cryer scored 82.5 aboard Wild Side in the first round.Fans were upset as everyone thought the ride was worth a lot more.Maybe Wes just made it look too easy as the bull spun to the right into his hand with lots of action.Wes stayed in good position.Trapper got him in the short go as Wes was blown off as the bull made a fast and furious spinning leap to the right.This bull has power to burn.
Local hero Evan Rasch scored 84.5 aboard Frontier Rodeo's Slim Shadow. Another case of everyone second guessing the judges as Evan maintained perfect position as the bull spun to the left away from his hand.The bull had more action than some of the higher scoring ride bulls and Evan was centered and up on his bull rope. Like Wes,Evan fell victim to a beautiful bull with an ugly name in the short go.Slobber Knocker took two fast turns to the left away from Evan's hand with lots of power and Evan was down early.Evan's mother and father Johnnie and Ricky Rasch were there as well as brother Cory.Cory told me he expects to be back on the BFTS in another four weeks.He's feeling good and looking great.His dad is still into team roping and won an event last weekend.meanwhile Evan is working hard riding out horses when not competing.
Ananais Perreira and Jimmy Anderson tied at 170 for 2/3 in the standings. Ananais scored 83.5 aboard Jett in the long go and made another good ride aboard Hopper in the short go for 86.Hopper went into a left spin into Ananais' hand then jumped forward and out of the spin then reversed right then reversed left again.
Jimmy Anderson scored 83 aboard Stretch who spun to the left with good timing and action.Yet another score the crowd didn't like.It was a good ride and good trip but not as good as Stretch has been in the past. In the short go he drew Society's Child who is big and power packed.The bull spun to the right into Jimmy's hand then reversed right then reversed left then reversed right again with good timing and action.Jimmy scored 87 .
The only other rider to top two bulls was Jason Chisum who scored 84.5 aboard Peep Show who started to the right then hipped himself then spun to the left with lots of kick.In the short go he rode a new bull whose name may have been Roxbury Exit(at least it sounded as if that was what Razor Botkin called him)and scored 82.5 .The bull did not buck that good but it gave Jason 167 on two and he is currently in 4th place..Currently Jake Mann is 5th with 87.5 aboard Rudolph and Jarrod Ford is 6th with 87 aboard McNasty.Marcello Cruz scored 86 aboard Black Jack and is 7th while Kasey Hayes scored 85.5 aboard OJ and finished 8th.Evan Rasch was 9th aboard Slim Shadow for 84.5 and Wesley Cryer was 10th with his 82.5 aboard Free Ride.Tate Stratton was 11th with 81.5 aboard Sin Wagon and Lucas Guilbeau was 12th with 78.5 aboard Love Tap.
Tate told me he is concentrating on PRCA major rodeos and their Xtreme Bull Tour events this season in his quest to make it to the NFR. Both Wes Cryer and Evan Rasch said they hope to be high enough in the standings to make the next BFTS cut.
I was happily surprised to see Donnie Gay and Razor Botkin here as the Arena announcers ;having last seen them along with Andy Stewart at the CBR Finals in Jackson,MS.Even barrelman(minus the barrel tonight)Rocking Ryan was here.Too bad Donnie didn't recite or play his "God Bless the Rodeo Clowns" here as the bull fighters were dressed traditionally.
Terry Don West told me has has quit riding for good and is raising bulls and having his own events while also working with Dan Russell.Terry brought Dan's Western Rodeo bulls to Nashville.
Terry is having his Ultimate Bullriding Challenge at the Muskogee,OK. Fairgrounds March 31-April 1.Books open March 27th.No scores.This is a last man standing event where you ride as many for 8 as you can till you buck off.Entry fee is $100 and the event pays 10 places with $10,000 to the winner..For more information or call ins call:
918 652-8801.
Tuff Hedeman's West Texas Shoot Out Scores Record Crowd
In honor of his roots 4 Time World Champion Bull Rider Tuff Hedeman brought his CBR event home to El Paso , Texas. Tuff was born in El Paso and spent many of his formative years in there and at Sunland Park where his father worked for 55 years.Even while his mother carried Tuff and his older brother Roach to rodeo events his dad would have Tuff helping out at the race track.Tuff worked as a groom and exercise boy there and was headed towards a career as a jockey before fate intervened and Tuff shot up from 5'4" and 110 pounds to his present height when he entered college.
In a quote from CBR PR Director Montica Willschem's press release Tuff said:
“If I had a dollar for every time I took a lap around this race track,” stated Hedeman before a full house of dedicated friends, family and fans, “I would be a rich man.” He also said:“I am honored to put on one of the best events we have ever had right here at Sunland Park,” stated CBR President Tuff Hedeman.“I've said it before, and I'll say it again: the quality of riders and bulls in the CBR is setting fire to the industry, and our fans are letting us know!”Hundreds of people had to be turned away at the door as even the SRO tickets sold out.This is a record setting event.Tuff has already listed this on the CBR's 2007 season.
I wish I had been able to make the trip to El Paso because I know Tuff's mom Clarissa was there and I just love talking to her.She is quite a role model.
When the dust had cleared it was Helper , Utah's Derald Riche who won the event with only a three point lead over Cooper Kanngiesser.The event was filled with thrilling action from great bulls and great bull riders.
In the first section of the long go it was bulls eight and riders two as Shane Gordon and Travis Sellers had the only qualified rides. Travis rode the R/W bull Rafter Jack for 86 while Shane Gordon rode R/W's Video Games for 88.
In section two thee were six qualified rides.Mario Galindo scored 84 aboard WT's Leroy Brown while Jason McClain scored 87 aboard Terry Williams' Snortin Horton.
Scotty Munns scored 84.5 aboard Owen Washburn's Joe Blow while McKennon Wimberley scored 80 aboard Owen's Froggy.Sonny Murphy scored 86 aboard Owen's Black Sheep and Curtis Semans was 82 aboard Badger.
Section three had five qualified rides starting with Layne McCasland's 86 points aboard R/W's Poison Ivy. Marcus Michaelis rode HHH's Harold Payne for 86 points while Lucas Dick rode Wes Bruce's Train Wreck for 87.5. J.C. Bean rode Wes' Hitchiker for 89 points and Jarrod Craig rode Chicken Hawk for 87 points.
Section four had only two qualified rides as Buskin Wilson rode Jerry Nelson's Smokey Mountain for 87.5 and Cooper Kanngiesser rode Tickle Me Elmo for 86.5
Section five had five qualified rides including Derald Riche's 88 point ride aboard Jerry Nelson's rank bull Automatic.Dusty Higgings rode Kevin Loudamy's Cha Ching for 89 and Tye Odden rode Scooby II for 86.Hugo Pedredo rode Broken Opportunity for 72 and Myron Duarte rode Happy Jack for 86.5.
The short go was filled with rank bulls; among them Jerry Nelson's World Champion Big Bucks.Sonny Murphy rode R/W's Revits for 87 points and finished third in the short go and third in the average with 173 points.Cooper Kanngiesser rode the R/W bull Foolish Man for 89 points and was second in the round and also second in the event with 175.5 on two.Derald Riche drew R/W's Lady Luck and scored 90.5. He totaled 178.5 on two and won both the round ane event but not until J.C. Bean bucked off of Owen Washburn and the Five Ladies' Lady's Man and Dusty Higgins bucked off of Kevin Loudamy's Uncle Charlie.Big Bucks sent Shane Gordon flying.
Dusty Higgins tied for fourth/fifth in the event with J.C.Bean with 89 points.Shane Gordon was sixth with 88 points and Buskin Wilson tied for seventh with Lucas Dick at 87.5.The top four spots in the Long Go went as follows:
Round: Long Go
DUSTY HIGGINS,Roswell,NM 89 $2,058.00
J C BEAN,Goldendale,WA 89 $2,058.00
DERALD RICHE,Helper,UT 88 $882.00
SHANE GORDON, CA 88 $882.00
Derald Riche earned $10,000 for his event title and is fourth in the CBR standings.CBR CEO Terry Williams praised Riche in the CBR report as follows: “Riche showed an amazing amount of skill and perseverance tonight.The bulls were bucking really hard and he landed some good scores on a couple of very rank bulls.”
Dusty Higgins sustained a mild concussion in the first round along with a broken tooth.He then got a shaving scar in the short go and required stitches.
The CBR's next event will be their Lufkin,Texas event of their CBR Bull Bash Tour 2006 on February25th.You can check out their Event and TV schedule at www.cbrbull.com
CBR News-Tuff Hedeman Louisiana Shoot Out
The annual Tuff Hedeman Louisiana Shoot Out is in the books now with CBR 2005 World Champion Matt Austin reigning supreme. The CBR/PRCA/Xtreme Bull/Nat’l Collegiate 2005 World/National Champion scored 90 points on Jerry Nelson’s Wilfong in the long go while scoring 91.5 aboard the Robertson/Wilson bull Spider Man in the short go before a packed house to tie with Friday night’s event leading score of 181.5 earned by Zack Oakes. Oakes scored 90 on Mike Johnson’s Legally Blonde and 91.5 of Robertson/Wilson’s Lady Luck. The back judge broke the tie; awarding the event title to Austin.
Over 18 bulls were covered on Friday night and the cut -off score was 85 to qualify for the Championship round.
It was good to see McKennon Wimberly start the season off on a high note. He scored 87.5 on the R/W bull Red Corvette while in the short go he made a great ride aboard the R/W bull Roscoe for 91. I bet his dad Joe was grinning with McKennon’s 178.5 score. Brother Chance did not fare as well as Mike Johnson’s Doc Gardner bucked Chance off.
The top five from Friday were Zack Oakes in 1st place followed by McKennon Wimberly in second. Third on the leader board was Jarrod Craig with 176 points aboard Lufkin Ranch and Rodeo’s On The Edge in the long go for 87 points followed by 89 on R/W’s Gatlin Gun in the short go. PRCA 2004 World Champion Dustin Elliott scored 86.5 on Mike Johnson’s Big Mac and added 89 to that aboard R/W’s Poison Ivy in the short go .JC Bean scored 86.5 on R/W’s Crimson Tide and followed with 86.5 on R/W’s Sting Ray to land in fifth place Friday. Matt Galloway did not ride in the short go as he was injured in the chute while getting ready on Owen Washburn and the five ladies Ladies’ Man. Matt was taken to the hospital with a broken jaw
Kevin Loudamy’s Scooby II had his way with Wesley Silcox while Comanche bucked Jason Legler off. Jerry Nelson’s Poison Ivy won the match with Dave Samsel while his Scarecrow beat Travis Sellers. The short go was loaded with four legged stars as well with Vernon Guidry’s Dippin XS Energy, KL’s Uncle Charlie, and R/W’s Roscoe. I love Lufkin Ranch and Rodeo’s Zorro. That bull goes nearly vertical. He dusted Dustin Larsen.
Saturday’s event was even heavier with stars. In the first section Matt Austin made his 90-point ride aboard Jerry Nelson’s Wilfong while PRCA World Champion Cody Hancock lost the battle with Why Be Normal. Mike Moore lost his contest to JN’s Heartache.
I can imagine the glow in CBR CEO Terry Williams’ eyes as his son Clayton rode KL’s Shazam for 86.5 and followed that with a great 90-point ride on R/W’s Priefert’s Mercury Rising. Veteran rider Ronnie Kitchens rode Mike Johnson’s Malpractice for 88.5 and made a spectacular 92-point ride on R/W’s Lady Luck in the short go. Ronnie has really come back to life lately and I think there is a championship coming for him. Jeremy Taylor rode Rafter Jack for 90 in the long go but LRR’s Zorro beat him in the short go. Another veteran star, Myron Duarte made a great 91-point ride on R/W’s Trickle Charge but Guidry’s Snuff’s Hot Damn who is another of my favorites dusted Myron is the short go. while Danell Tipton scored 88 on Rock Star but got thrown by JN‘s Salty Cat .There were so many great rides on great bulls that I wish I had room to name them all but sorry everyone. If you really want to see the toughest bulls versus the toughest cowboys try and get out to a CBR event .If you cannot get to an event watch them on the Outdoor Channel on Wednesday nights .I found a Saturday night broadcast this weekend so check your guides.
Tuff Hedeman fans can see Tuff on January 18th at the Modern Art Museum in Fort Worth at 7 pm. Tuff will give his insight on the 1978 Movie “Casey’s Shadow” which starred Walter Matthau. Long a favorite of mine I wish I could be there.
The CBR has two events coming up in February. The Tuff Hedeman West Texas Shoot Out is February 11th in El Paso, Texas followed by the CBR Bull Bash Tour 2006 in Lufkin, Texas on February 25th.
The order of finish in the average at Bossier City is as follows:
MATT AUSTIN, Wills Point, TX 181.5 $25,048.00
ZACK OAKES,Tonaskat,WA 181.5 $16,968.00
RONNIE KITCHENS,Mansfield,TX 180.5 $9,696.00
MCKENNON WIMBERLY,Cool,TX 178.5 $7,272.00
CLAYTON WILLIAMS,Carthage,TX 176.5 $5,656.00
JARROD CRAIG,Hillisboro,TX 176 $4,848.00
DUSTIN ELLIOTT,Tecumseh,NE 175.5 $4,040.00
ARDIE MAIER,Timberlake,SD 174 $3,232.00
DAN HENDRICKS,Woodward,OK 173.5 $2,424.00
J C BEAN,Goldendale,WA 173 $1,616.00
INFR 2005 results
IIFR's results :The event which ran the same weekend as Reno was held up in Saskatchewan,Canada. The Bareback title went to Nelson Tsosie of the AIRCA(American Indian Rodeo Cowboys Association).Jay Lewis of the WIREA is the Saddle Bronc Champion.Rounding out the rough stock World Championships was Hernald John of the CNRA with his Bull Riding title.Tie Down (calf) Roping Champion is John Boyd III who also won the High Point Cowboy Championship.Colleen Crawler was the High Point Cowgirl.Wright Bruisedhead of the WIREA is the Steer Wrestling Champion while Chantel Williams of the WIREA is the Barrel Racing Champion.Team Roping titles went to Jackson Louis and Neal Antoine of the WIREA while Ladies Breakaway Roping went to Irene Sure of the WIREA.Senior Breakaway Roping went to Lawrence Crawler of the CRIRCA while Junior Barrel racing went to Vanessa Chalifoux of the NCRA. Guytin Tsosie of the AIRCA won the Junior Steer Riding Championship.
The INFR was held last week at Apache Gold Casino in Arizona.Nelson Tsosie of Farmington,NM ,NNRCA not only won the Bareback Championship in the IIFR but he repeated the feat here.It would be so nice to see him do this in the PRCA too.Hope we will next year. Clint BruisedHead of Warm Spring, OR,WSIRA won the Steer Wrestling Championship while Jarrett Monroe of Browning ,MT,UIRA is the Saddle Bronc Champion.Terry Jo Charley(Kayenta,Az.NNRCA) is the Women's Breakaway Roping Champion while Preston Williams(Casa Grande,AZ,WSIRA) won the Calf Roping Championship in a tie breaking Rope Off against Dustin Bird.
I was so glad to see Yvette Vega(Polson,MT UIRA) win the Barrel Racing Championship.I interviewed her in the past and she is just great.
Team Roping Champions are Nate Blackrock and James Begay JR(AZ,NNRCA/SWIRA) while the Bull riding title went to Greg Louis(Browning ,MT,NPIRA)
All Around Cowgirl was Cassidy Dennison Tohatchi,AZ NNRCA and she won an AQHA registered horse.Winner of the new truck and Overall All Aroundwas Preston Williams,WSIRA.The new Miss Indian Rodeo is Jaci Etzkom,the GPIRA Queen from South Dakota.
Sunland Park Tuff Hedeman West Texas Shoot Out Preview
Among the bulls there will be Little Locomotive,Tickle Me Elmo,Hitchhiker,El Lobo, Snortin Horton,Cat Daddy,Law Dog and Super Fly in round one.
Sunland Park played a big part in Tuff's adolescent years as his parents both worked there and he used to work as a groom and exercise boy there. Although his mother carrie dTuff and Roach to rodeos as 5'4" and only 110 pounds he was slated to become a jockey.Then he grew and we were blessed with one of the greatest bull riding talents to ever come down the pike.
Another El Paso native who returns home tonight is Carhartt Bull Fighter Ray Clary. Ray loves what he does in spite of all the injuries he has suffered over the past fifteen years. Ray,who lives in Diboll,Texas with his 16 year old son Audy who is coming on strong in baseball, also works for Lufkin Ranch and Rodeo and Cordell and Loudamy. Ray has a really full schedule with his positions as a CBR Bull Fighter and CBR Arena manager plus little league baseball coach. But what the CBR does not tell you,I will. Ray could make it in Nashville anyday.That man plays a good guitar , writes great traditional country songs and can do lead or back-up vocals. He and my traveling partner/photographer Teri Lann did some great duets when we were all in Gallup last summer.
The CBR now has some great fan merchandise including new fleece jackets.T-shirts,ball caps,skull cap "Beanies," and sandwich-bill caps.They even have toddler sizes in their royal blue T's.
The next CBR event will be the CBR Bull Bash in Lufkin,Texas on February 25th
Matt Austin Wins PRCA's Xtreme Bull Title
Matt Austin( Wills Point,TX.),the hottest rider in rodeo right now won Bullnanza-Reno/PRCA's Xtreme Bulls National Championship with 352 points on four head. Matt , a very humble 23 year old always strives to do his best each ride reminding me of a young Tuff Hedeman ;always aiming for first place. Matt said he was lucky to have drawn great bulls and thanked the Lord for his win.
Matt has a chance to do something no bull rider has ever done. He holds the Xtreme Bulls National Championship and sits in the lead for the CBR World Championship(Jackson,MS. Nov. 18-19) and the PRCA World Championship(WNFR,December).He has broken Terry Don West's 2003 record of $211,879 single season earnings.Matt's record can only grow as he sits presently at $222,397 with events to go. Will we have a true Bull Riding Triple Crown Winner this year. I hope so.
It was an exciting three day event with great bulls and the top fifty riders in the PRCA. Four time World Champion Bull Rider and CBR President Tuff Hedeman was the stock coordinator while eight time World Champion Donny Gay was there to sign autographs and do the TV commentary. Among the many champions assembled were PRCA 2001 World Champion Cody Hancock and CBR reigning World Championship Austin Meier.
In round one Matt rode Kish's Short Barrell for 85 points.The bull faked right, into Matt's hand then spun to the left away from it; jumping out of the spin and bucking straight. Matt exhibited total control. In round two he drew Kish's Tuff Target ; making another great ride as the bull spun to the right into Matt's hand with lots of power,kick and fast action; reversing left . Matt was picture perfect , scoring 91.He scored 86 in round three as the bull took one long leap out of the chute, stumbled then went into a low , drifting spin to the right while covering lots of ground .Matt never bobbled at all.
After three rounds Matt was a half point behind Kankakee's Mike Moore; the first Xtreme Bulls Champion. Mike had tied Matt in round two with his own 91 point ride aboard Kish's Loose Cannon who faked right then spun fast left with lots of high kick and action. It was down to the wire and the fans were on the edge of their seats.Matt made a great ride aboard Growney's Main Man in the Coors Championship round.The bull took three leaps out then spun to the left away from Matt's hand with such power that he stumbledand then bucked straight with lots of elevation,high kicks and action; going nearly vertical. Matt scored 90.Mike drew the Robertson/Wilson bull Spider Man , a small bull who spun fast to the left into Mike's hand. Matt ran out to congratulate Mike but the judges signaled no score as Mike slapped the bull at 4.9 which was caught on camera.
Cord McCoy(Tupelo,Oklahoma) was second in the average with 337.5 on four bulls ; qualifyingCord for his first NFR. Zeb Lanham(Sweet,Idaho) was third.Round Two and Round Three will be on ESPN 2 on Nov.4th.
Julio Moreno suffered torn tendons and ligaments in his left ankle when his paint horse was knocked down by River Side.The horse pinned Julio momentarily and it was scary as the bull came right at them again.Thanks to great bullfighters both Julio and his horse are fine.Julio finished the night and was replaced by Reno Rosser on Saturday. Reno of Flying U Rodeo Company told me they had been offered one million dollars for Reindeer Dippin,their great bull.
Also injured in the event was bullfighter Frank Newsome who broke his arm Saturday but finished the event in a cast.He is currently in Vegas with Julio working the PBR Finals
Jake Littlefield had the high point ride of the event when he won round one aboard Rough N Ready with a 95 point ride.The little bull went into a fast spin to the left away from Jake's hand with lots of kick,rear and drop.This is a record score for Xtreme Bulls finals and ties the seasonal high score record.Wesley Silcox made a great ride in round one aboard Kish's Main Man for 92.The bull took two leaps out then spun left away from Wesley's hand with great action.Wesley was picture perfect and later told me the bull felt really good underneath him. Matt Austin and Mike Moore split round two and Jarrod Ford won round three with 91.5 as the bull also spun to the left away from Jarrod's hand with rear , drop and action.
It was a great event with nail biting excitement thanks to the great pen of bulls put together by Tuff Hedeman.Thanks to Shayla Givens and A.G. Meyers of the Lazy E for inviting us and my warm regards to the members of the IHO and vendors they brought with them to the Silver Legacy Concourse. Also regards to my new Paiute friends Debbie and Eileen Dale .Thanks to PRCA Fly Thomas for the help he gave my partner , photographer Teri Lann; and to his assistant Robby Freeman who is the great grandson of the first Caddo to ever hold office in Louisiana-Sheriff of Caddo County.
Now its on to the CBR's final event of the season in Beaumont,TX on Nov.11-12 and then to their Finals in Jackson,MS on Nov.18-19.Hope to see many of you there.
CBR Finals 2005 Matt Austin Victorious
It was CBR World finals time in Jackson,MS. last weekend.When the dust settled on November 19th it was Matt Austin who notched the victory; claiming the second jewel in what I dubbed the Triple Crown of Bull Riding. The Wills Point,TX native put together three great rides to win the World Championship with 271.5 points; winning $65,000.
In round one Matt rode the Robertson/Wilson bull Poison Ivy for 89 as the bull made one spin to the left then reversed right into Matt's hand with lots of kick and action.In round two he rode Jerry Nelson's Woodstock for 90.5 while Woodstock spun to the left away from Matt's hand with lots of power, kick and elevation.In the short go Matt's faced Jerry Nelson's BA who had bucked Matt off before.Everything hinged on this ride and the crowd was excited. Matt was picture perfect; remaining up on his rope and centered as BA spun to the right into Matt's hand.The crowd roared and Donnie Gay joked about being jealous.
When Pam Minick interviewed Matt ,he praised the bulls,the CBR, their fans and sponsors; and he thanked the Lord for everything.Tuff Hedeman,CBR President praised Matt for the record setting year he has had while CBR CEO and founder Terry Williams said that Matt only needs to ride two bulls at the NFR to take the third jewel.
Matt was thrilled to win this title and said it felt just awesome. According to Tuff,Matt's the best rider in the world presently.
Dan Hendricks was smart to refuse his reride on Sammy Andrews' Little Weed Friday and keep his 80.5 score.The bull took four loping leaps out before spinning to the right into Hendricks hand.Hendricks added 85.5 on Saturday aboard Vernon Guidry's Sportsman who spun to the right away from Dan's hand then jumped out and bucked straight.Dan finished off with a great ride aboard Jerry Nelson's Salty Cat in the short go.Nelson recently paid $50,000 for the bull and he's well worth it. The bull spun to the left into Hendricks' hand with lots of kick and elevation while Dan remained perfectly positioned.Dan finished 4th in the average.
Round one went to Cord McCoy who rode R/W's Gatlin Gun for 91.5 as the bull spun to the left into his hand ;reversing right at the end with lots of kick,rear and drop.Kolt Munden won round two aboard one of my favorite bulls, Wes Bruce's Cherokee Fiddler with 92 points who spun faster and faster to the right with lots of kick.I spoke with Wes and he did name the bull after "Fiddlin' John" Totten who was my husband's great granduncle; and the subject of "Cherokee Fiddle."
PRCA World Champion Dustin Elliott won the Championship Round aboard Jerry Nelson's Clueless with 93 points as the bull faked left then spun to the right with lots of kick and elevation.Dustin remained in perfect position and complete control.Dustin was second in the event with 267.5 on three head while Tye Odden was third with 263 points.Tye rode Jerry Nelson's Kings Court for 90 in the final round as the bull faked left then spun to the right.Dan Hendricks was 4th with 258 points while Austin Meier was fifth with178.5; Jerry Shepherd was 6th with 175.5 and Travis Sellers was 7th with 175 points.
Harlan Robertson and Henry Wilson won the Stock Contractor of the Year Award and their bull Biloxi Blues won Bull of the Year.The Resitol Hard Luck Award of a new Resistol hat went to Sonny Munns who was yard darted by Rich Bumbaca's Hooker Jack; getting a face full of arena dirt and a reride as the bull had fouled himself.Sonny bucked off of his reride bull.Tuff Hedeman needed a new one when he threw his hat into the chute to distract a bull who went back into it after the rider .Tuff had good aim and made a quick save.
I noticed that the Pizza Hut on County Line Road in Jackson actually has a Native American Night;and I also found a Cherokee restaurant there.I want to thank Tom Kelsey,Outdoor Channel's still photographer for the help he gave my partner,Teri Lann; showing her the best spots for the best shots.
Prior to each round the CBR ran a Fan Fest and where Tuff, Pam, Donnie Gay and the riders and bullfighters signed autographs and took pictures with the fans.
I got to speak with Chuck Griffith of Lufkin Ranch and Rodeo.Their bull Zorro is incredible and definitely a future bull of the year candidate.Zorro's son was 15th in the ABBI Classic.
Some other great rides were Bonner Bolton aboard Jessie Hill's Black Powder who took two leaps forward then spun to the left away from Bonner's hand while belly kicking.Bonner was spurring high and looked great for 88.5.He told Pam"I just prayed to God and regrouped."Cooper Kanngiesser scored 90 on Nelson's Ram Jam who spun right into Cooper's hand then reversed left.Guidry's Little Wasp took two leaps out then spun to the right before reversing left into Austin Meier's hand Saturday.Austin scored 88.5 . Austin will be riding in Batesville,MS Thanksgiving weekend. There were so many good rides on top caliber bulls that there just is not room to include them all and I apologize to the riders who are not mentioned . It was three rounds of great bulls versus great riders.Thanks to the CBR for a great season.Their 2006 schedule will be out Dec.1st so if they are coming to a venue in your area make sure you attend.
It was good to see Brent Vincent who is out with bone spurs here.Brent was one of the judges.All in all a great event hosted by great people; truly the best riders versus the best bulls.