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.