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Address::Rob Smets P.O. Box157 Merkel, Texas 79536

Cooper Kanngiesser Wins The 31st Annual George Paul Memorial Bull Riding While Taking The Lead In The CBR’s 2008 Standings

The George Paul Memorial Bull Riding is the oldest stand-alone bull riding event. This year the prestigious event became a part of the CBR’s 2008 season and played to standing room only crowds this past weekend. The best bulls challenged the best riders from the CBR and the PRCA; and when the dust had settled it was Zenda, KS’ Cooper Kanngiesser who stood victorious.

Records were made as during the two day event there were 15 rides which scored 90 points or above. Five of those came in the short go and they were the only qualified rides in it. That had to have kept the fans roaring.

Trent Cormier of Houma, LA won the first round with 93.5 on Lufkin Ranch and Rodeo’s Maverick who is one of Zorro’s sons. He had to pass up his chance at the Bounty Bull Walk The Line (Bad Company) due to a minor but aggravating injury.

Super Dave Samsel (Haslet, TX) got the nod to face the Bodacious grandson because of his second place finish in the round. He rode Rich Bumbaca’s Hasta Luego for 93 points in round one. Dave who at age 37 is one of the oldest riders on tour has really seemed to blossom during the past two years as he rides both CBR and PRCA.While other riders seem to be slowing down Dave only gets better with time. Unfortunately for him Walk This Way also gets better with each out and he bucked Dave off right out of the chute with his power, rear and drop. Dave gave the crowd that great Samsel grin and told them he was still happy to be a part of this great event.

Clint Craig of Mena, AR was third in the round with 92.5 aboard Bumbaca’s Auger while CBR 2007 World Champion Bonner Bolton was fourth in the round with 92 points aboard Hurst/Dyess& Garrett’s Carney Man. Danny McDowell was fifth with 90 points aboard Alan Murphy’s Coffee Bean.

Corey Davis rode Alan Murphy’s Smokin Joe for 82.5 and Cody White rode Murphy’s Border Patrol for 81.5 in the first section.

In the second section of the round it was Cooper Kanngiesser with 86.5 aboard Bad Company’s Born To Boogie and PRCA World Champion Wesley Silcox aboard Benny Cude’s Mama’s Boy for 90.

Luke Haught rode Carl Wilburn’s Chuckar for 83 while Seth Reynolds rode Scott Burruss’ Mojo for 85. Steve Woolsey aboard Lyndal Hurst’s Chino with 86.5 followed him

IIRA World Champion Bull Rider and Navajo Nation World Champion Spud Jones made a good ride aboard Mike Johnson’s McCrazy for 89.5. CBR President 4X World Champion Tuff Hedeman is really proud of Spud and sees a future World Champion of the CBR in him.

Travis Sellers rode Johnson’s Hood Figure for 89 to end the round.

  Bonner Bolton rode Bad Company’s Funcky Cole Medina for 86.5 in the second round giving him the lead with178.5. That was short lived as Spud Jones took it over with yet another 89.5 ride. This time he rode Bad Company’s Pretty Vegas and had 179 on two head. Luke Haught rode Born To Boogie for 86 and he had two under his belt for 169.

Logan Knibbe made a great ride aboard Johnson’s Mighty Dirty for 92   while two time CBR World Champion Matt Austin rode Alan Murphy’s Coffee Bean for 90.5. Then it was Cooper Kanngiesser aboard Lufkin Ranch and Rodeo’s Dirty Demon for 87 to give Cooper 173.5 on two head.

Jay Morrow rode LRR’s Top Gun for 85.5 for a solid ride. The Friday Wright scored 89 aboard Glen Southwick’s Red Eye for another thrilling ride. Trent Cormier added to his first round winning score with 86 points aboard Jesse Hill’s parachute to give him a total of 179.5 and he took over the lead.

Steve Woolsey scored 87 on Rosin’s B20 and had 173.5 on two head. Dave Samsel added to his score with another solid ride aboard Billy Jones’ Doc Holiday for 87.5.that gave Dave the lead with 180.5 on two.

Luke Kelly rode Murphy’s Hookin Bull for 88.5 while Bronson Butcher was great upon Murphy’s Mr. Incredible for 91.

The last two qualified rides of the round were Corey Davis aboard Scott Burruss’ Looney Toon for 85.5 and Douglas Duncan aboard Lyndal Hurst’s Twister for 87.5. Corey had 168 on two.

 In the championship round there were five riders out of fifteen who made qualified rides and all were above 90. Cooper Kanngiesser scored 91 aboard McCrazy (Mike Johnson) to tie for 4/5 in the round and win the event with 264.5 on three head.

It was Corey Davis who tied with Cooper. Corey rode Bumbaca’s Easy Street and had 259 on three head.

Danny McDowell scored 93 when he made a great ride aboard Burruss’ Standoff to tie with Wesley Silcox for 1/2 in the round. Wesley rode Bumbaca’s Auger. The last ride was Travis Sellers aboard Murphy’s Buckshot for 91.5.

The fans really got their money’s worth will all those great rides in the short go.

When he was interviewed after winning the event Cooper thanked the George Paul family and the CBR for helping him make a dream come true. Of all the events he has won this was one of the best. Everyone wants to win this legendary event.

Bobby Paul said that the CBR’s production of the annual George Paul Memorial was the best in 20 years. The event means a lot to all riders but it has a special place in CBR President Tuff Hedeman’s heart. Tuff is one of just two riders to ever win this event three times. For Tuff this was a thrill to be able to bring the best riders and bull sin for this event.

You can see this event on RFD-TV on May21st, May 28^th and June 4^th. The CBR is televised every Wednesday night at 9 PM CT.

                                  Logan Knibbe Tops The Field In Longview, TX

As the temperature dropped in Longview, TX the excitement grew; and the fans were on the edges of their seats in this SRO There were even fans crowded around us where photographer Teri Lann and I were working by the arena fence. What a crowd!

. As the race for the event title went down to the wire the excitement grew. When the dust had finally cleared it was Stephenville, TX’s Logan Knibbe who won his first event title. CBR President, 4X World Champion Tuff Hedeman presented Logan with his winner’s check and Resistol hat; and also interviewed him. Logan told Tuff:” I’ve been waiting a long time to win one of these deals.” Tuff called the winning ride “awesome” which it was.

 Logan rode in the second section of the long go and took the lead with a great looking 89.5 ride aboard Lonnie Brown’s Copan Cat. The bull came out with power, spinning to the left into Logan’s hand with high kicks then reversed right towards the end of the ride. Some of the best four-year-old bulls in the country were here as this was a NBBA Classic event.

Logan held on to his long go lead until Ardie Maier (Twin Lakes, S.D. [which is on the Cheyenne River Reservation]) the 28^th rider out made an incredible 91 point ride aboard the Lyndal Hurst/Cody Ohl/Garrett/Dyess bull Carney Man who made a fast spin to the left away from Ardie’s hand with lots of high kicking and power. Ardie, was perfect and exhibited complete control. Ardie went into the championship round in the lead with Logan right behind him.

Logan had his work cut out for him as first Navajo Nation World Champion Bull Rider Spud Jones (Twin Lakes, AZ) took the lead in the short go with a solid ride aboard Double R Bucking Bulls’ Sharp Shooter for 88.5 points. Spud is the first Native American to win a CBR event (Window Rock) and we were rooting for him. There have been many riders who are of Native American descent, but Spud is one from Indian Rodeo who is carving out a name for himself not only there but also in the CBR and the PRCA. The bull spun to the left away from Spud’s hand then jumped out of the spin before reversing to the right into Spud’s hand. In the long go Spud rode Zorro’s number one rated son Derringer for 85.5.Derringer took one leap out of the chute with high kicks before spinning to the right into Spud’s hand in a fast though low spin. Spud was out of position towards the 8 second mark but held on to his rope till the buzzer sounded. Derringer is currently in first place in the NBBA Classics standings for 4 year olds. Spud’s lead of 174 was quickly overcome when Livingston, Alabama’s Luke Kelly rode Scott Burruss’ Georgia Son for 90 points as the bull took one leap out before spinning to the left with lots of power and action. Luke made a textbook ride with good free arm action and high spurring. Luke had come out aboard Ben Brown’s Bee-Be-Gone in the long go who spun to the left away from Luke’s hand with high kicks and it looked like a buck-off but the bull had fouled Luke at the gate throwing him out of position. Luke got the option of a reride and this time the bull took one long leap out before spinning away from Luke’s hand to the left in a low spin. Luke scored 86 so added to his short go’s 90 that gave him 175 on two head and the lead. That held until Muskogee, OK rider Bronson Butcher rode Henry Wilson’s Black Gold in the short go for 88 points. Bronson rode him jump for jump, as the bull spun to the left with high kicks. Butcher is a young rider to watch. He had been called in as an alternative rider for Cody Hancock. Butcher made a good long go ride aboard Dan Duncan’s Big Red for 88.5 points in his first ever CBR event The bull spun to the left into Butcher’s hand then reversed right at the end of the ride. His score of 176.5 on two took over the lead. Logan Knibbe quickly ended that with his ride aboard Alan Murphy’s Deuce Bigalo for 89 points who took two leaps out of the chute before spinning to the right away from Logan’s hand with lots of rear and drop then jumped out of it and bucked straight. Logan had the lead with 178.5 on two head and it was nail-biting time for the fans. Only Ardie Maier remained to ride and he would need 88 points to win. He had drawn Scott Burruss’ Pole Cat who spun to the right into Ardie’s hand then jumped out of the spin and bucked straight before returning to a right spin. It just was not strong enough and Ardie scored 85 to end up third in the event while the long awaited win went to Logan Knibbe.

There were a lot of good bulls in the event with the best four year olds in the country in the NBBA portion of the event. The winning bull was Lufkin Ranch and Rodeo’s Maverick; another of the great young sons of my all time favorite Zorro. Maverick bucked Skeeter Kingsolver off in the long go. I spoke with Chuck Griffith before the event and he pointed out to me which of their bulls are Zorro’s sons. I can relate to Chuck’s pride in these babies as I feel the same way about my own bulls who buck in the ABA To me Zorro is another Blueberry Wine; maybe even better when he comes out with his rear and drop. Then again I am prejudiced as I have three young bulls that come out like Zorro although they are no relation to him.

In the long go Ardie Maier was first while Logan Knibbe finished second. Bronson Butcher was third in the long go while Houma, LA’s Trent Cormier finished fourth with his 87.5 ride aboard Wes Bruce’s Train Robber who is a little spinner with lots of action who spun to the right into Trent’s hand real fast. Pistol Robinson (Burelson, TX) was fifth with 87 points aboard Harlan Robertson’s Rusty who spun to the left into Pistol’s hand with a roll and lots of high kicking. Pistol stayed up front and looked good. He’s currently in first place in the CBR standings. New Bloomfield, MO’s Corey Davis tied for 6^th  /7^th in the long go with Jena, LA’s Danny McDowell at 86 points. Corey rode Lyndal Hurst’s Rehab who took one leap out then spun to the left into Corey’s hand before jumping out of the spin and bucking straight. Danny rode Terrell Sullivan’s Fat Boy who took one leap forward then spun to the right into Danny’s hand with high kicking while Danny spurred him high. Luke Kelly was 8^th in the round with his 85.5 ride aboard Bee-Be-Gone. Luke who finished fourth in the event was #1 in the short go with 90 on Georgia Son while event winner Logan Knibbe was second on Deuce Bigalo. Spud Jones who was fifth in the average was third in the round with his 88.5 on Sharp Shooter while Bronson Butcher who was second in the average was fourth in the round aboard Black Gold. Jarrod Craig who scored 83 in the long go aboard Bryce Cooper’s Chipaway tied for fifth in the short go aboard Alan Murphy’s Buckshot with Danny McDowell aboard Scott Burruss’ Evil Eye with 87 points. Jarrod was 7^th in the average while Danny was 6^th.Trent Cornier was eight in the average with his 87.5 ride from the long go.

There was so much to see and do this weekend as the event was held in conjunction with Longview Heritage Days. There were autograph signings,vendors,concerts just so much. We saw old friends and met new people .I finally met Alan Murphy and he told me he had just bought Train Robber, Rampage’s Ghost and Mr. Slim from Wes Bruce before the event began. Alan also bought some good bulls from Wes at the Finals and now owns Cherokee Fiddler and Cowboy Cut.

I want to thank Mary Ramos for all her help. That is one hard working woman and I hope to profile her and Scott Davis soon. Scott was a big help to us also and deserves thanks. The fans were lined up Saturday morning at Jack O’ Diamonds Dodge to meet Tuff Hedeman, Matt Baldwin, Layne McCasland.Cody Sousby and Ray Clary.KYFX 105.7 Country was there along with the drum line from the Longview High School Marching band. Danny Tyler Danny and Drew Morning Show) had Teri Lann spin the KYFX  “Spin To Win” wheel but alas, our photographer didn’t win a prize. She did get to take Danny’s picture though and also Barbara Biggs who is with the station. Thanks also to David Carter, the sales manager at Jack O’ Diamonds who allowed us to take pictures for Tanasi Journal there. Teri took some shots of the Drum Line (Adonis Centers, Jonathan Marshall, Shawndell McGee, Kyle Stinson, Cameron Peoples, Daniel Pierce, Orey Love, Rosa Sanchez and Melissa Preston) thanks to assistant director Grant Woodson.The band was there doing a car wash to raise money for a spring break trip to Disney World where they get to march and play in the parade there. Teri got pictures of fans and their heroes including Tuff Hedeman.Thanks also to Eli Lux for watching over us. Eli is one of Tuff’s golf buddies and Teri got a good shot of the two of them together.

For those who wonder where Pam Minnick is her obligations to RFD-TV have kept her away from the CBR broadcasts and she is missed by all but we wish her well with her new position.

Tuff is wearing his CBR credentials on a beautiful piece of beadwork, which was given to him in Gallup.  He is probably the busiest man I have ever seen. He rushes from appearance to appearance, then works behind the chutes making sure everything goes right; and also greets the fans and does the presentation and interview with the winner! I get tired just watching him. It was good to see Andy Stewart .I think he is one of the better announcers in bull riding and rodeo.

It was good to talk with Jody Newberry who is doing well in the CBR.His wife Amanda is currently taking her clinicals and will be done with college soon for all the Bullriding Fans who have missed Amanda’s posts on the lists.

The CBR now has cheerleaders of a sort-the CBR Bull Babes. They were helpful also. I love these outdoor events but maybe one day I will learn that in some places the heat turns to cold temps at night!

It was great to see CBR Founder Terry Williams. To see the big guy looking healthy and wearing that great smile of his was a prayer come true. I give my thanks to Grandfather for that. During intermission they had a miniature bull riding with junior rodeo riders and a calf scramble for the kids. After the event there was a really good country music concert with Rich McCready and his band. I was really impressed with him.

If I have forgotten anyone I sure am sorry. Watch for my interview with Spud Jones, and try and make it to the CBR’s next event in Jackson, MS on November 17^th.Teri and I will be there. Hope to see some of our readers there.

The American Bullriding Association’s Latest Results

The Littrell Clan of Circle 13 Rodeo Company put on a great two day event at Circle 13 on July 14^th and 15^th.Quite a few of us camped out there overnight and we had a great time. Melissa Perez and I had the grills running while we cooked up several types of Chicken, a venison roast, sweet corn and more. Just a real fun time.

The event rodeo clown was Mike Russell and he always keeps all of us laughing. His son Dusty did a Jr bull riding exhibition and this boy has talent. He might have come down early but our bull (CWR Bucking Bulls) Blue Norther was a good match for Dusty. as Blue took two big leaps out of the chute  with lots of rear and drop, high kicking and  a twist. Dusty was happy and watch out for him. This is a future World Champion. He’s got heart.

The first of the competition riders to come out was Matt Littrell aboard Circle 13’s 180 Beavis who took one leap out then faked left, faked right and kept changing direction as he hop, skipped and jumped across the arena. Matt came down hard on the dismount, hurting his wrist but he scored 74  and was second in the round.

The judge for the event were Johnny Bird and Shane Adams.

JM Cox drew Circle 13’s Buzzard Bait who exploded out and had JM in the dirt on the third leap. It looked like Jessie Perez was going to make a good ride aboard another good Circle 13 bull, White Demon when the bull pulled Jessie down in front causing Jessie to slap the bull. I spoke with Matt Littrell and he told me it was not his wrist that he injured but his shoulder. A true cowboy, Matt said” It kind of pushed my shoulder out of socket but its all right now.” Ouch! That’s some kind of pain but that’s some kind of cowboy.

Circle 13 had its eliminators out as 14K Golddigger bucked Mathew White off. Brent Sisco was next on Circle 13’s A10 Rimshot who walked out of the chute then faked left and faked right with energy to get Brent down early. This is one mean bull!

Altus Dieterlen drew CWR’s TN Two Hawks who didn’t have his normal trip but bucked in a wide circle to the left then faked right and left.  Altus, who finished fourth in the round scored 65, ending Two Hawks’ unridden streak. The #1 rider in the ABA, former PBR Finals qualifier Shawn Turner drew Marv Littrell’s 49% Marvelous Marv who took one leap straight out before spinning to the right. He jumped out of the spin then faked left. Shawn scored 80 to lead the round. I am glad to say Corey Bailey is ok after his wreck aboard Copenhagen Drifter who exploded out with lots of rear and drop and high kicks. Drifter threw Corey into the chute gate as he bucked him off.

During intermission there was a banana eating contest and barrel racing.

The action resumed with Buck Friskillo aboard CWR’s Cat Five Hurricane who power bucked straight before reversing to the left. Buck scored 64 while finishing fifth in the long go.

Colby Criswell lost hold when Circle 13’s 54 Super Dave jumped out of a fast right spin. Circle 13’s Boo didn’t have his usual trip as he made a wide circle to the left with no kick to it but Zach Jackson stayed centered to score 70 and finish third in the round. Circle 13’s White Knight exploded out then faked left and reversed right to set Jarrett Melton down early. The next rider was Matt McCarley aboard Rafter C’s Macho Man who took one huge leap forward then faked right as matt hit the dirt. Kevin Ables was the final rider in the long go aboard Circle 13’s EG Get You Some who took one leap out with a high kick before turning back to the right close to the chutes to get Kevin off.

Altus Dieterlen was unable to ride in the short go as his knee was injured when he dismounted Two Hawks. Mathew McCarley was drawn back to take Altus’ place.

Zack Jackson who also rides for UT Martin was the first one out. He drew Rafter C’s Krazy Kat who had lots of kick as he took one leap out then one spin to the right before reversing and bucking straight left. Zack came down before the buzzer but finished third with his long go score of 70. Circle 13’s Full House came out with a vengeance as he took two huge leaps forward with lots of power and high kicking to set Matt McCarley down early. Shawn Turner was given the option of a reride when Denmark Biggs faked left then faked right before turning back right and stopping then went back to bucking left. Shawn scored 72 and kept the score giving him 152 on two. Rafter C’s Spin To Win hipped himself as he bucked with no kicks but managed to unseat Buck Friskillo early. The bull was scheduled to buck on Sunday also but Guy said he was hurt and at his age it was time for him to retire to breeding. Buck finished fourth with his score of 64 on Cat Five Hurricane. It just wasn’t Matt Littrell’s night as Rafter C’s Intimidator bucked in the chute and matt had to be pulled out twice. Another cowboy would have called for a reride but not Matt. Even with the bull hurting Matt’s leg, Matt was determined to get out on him. Finally he did but got yanked forward and slapped the bull. Matt was second with his score of 74 from the long go.

After the event we headed back up to the campsites for a fun night of good food and good company.

On Sunday Dusty Russell did his exhibition on CWR’s MM’s TN Twister who took one leap out then a right spin with lots of kick then jumped out of the spin and bucked left throwing in a belly roll. Dusty hung on and he actually had the high score though not a carded rider as the judges (Josh Russell and Johnny Byrd) scored him at 80.

It was great to see Wes Cryer there. Wes was the first one to ever mount our first two bulls TN Tornado and Dairy Queen Bob-O. Wes is a good rider and also like Matt and Brent can double as a bullfighter. Wes drew Boo, who took 4 leaps straight before turning right and nearly came through the fence, I didn’t have a day sheet so if I mess up a name or two maybe the riders will forgive me. Bear Creek’s Shorty B was not his usual self though he bucked Blake Climor off as he took one jump forward then took one spin to the left. It was a bulls’ day as even Ronnie Maness came down early. The first qualified ride was J.M. Cox aboard 49% Marvelous Marv who loped out, bucking straight to the left, turned back right in a straight line then reversed straight left. JM scored 75 for second place in the long go. Next to go was Altus Dieterlen aboard CWR’s Two Hawks who bucked while kicking straight left then faked right then faked left. Altus scored 67 and was sixth in the round. A lot of the riders who made it here f or Sunday had been at the Gulfport, MS PBR event on Saturday night so you know they had to be tired. Tye Allen finished fourth down there but only made it to 7.98 on the official time clock on Circle 13’s White Knight..

Corey Bailey scored 80 on P1 Prince Albert, another great Circle 13 bull to lead the long go. Although he bucked straight left all the way to the left fencing Prince Albert was a handful as he power bucked. This bull is always exciting.

Matthew McCarley drew 54 Super Dave who took two leaps straight left then reversed right with a hop, skip and jump. Matt scored 71 tying with Jessie Perez for 4^th place. Trey Allen drew Cat Five Hurricane who power bucked straight down the arena before turning left. Trey scored 73 to finish third in the long go.

Jessie Perez made his fourth place ride aboard 13X Joker’s Wild who faked left then circled right in a wide circle while Jessie maintained perfect position; remaining in complete control.

Trey Allen hurt his leg in the short go as he came down off of Full House early. Trey ended up in third place for the event. Buzzard bait took 4 leaps to the left   and JM Cox lost his rope but finished in second place with his long go score of 75.

Jessie Perez looked like a helicopter as Krazy Kat spun hard to the left and sent Jessie spinning off. Jessie remained tied with Matt McCarley who bucked off Rafter C’s Intimidator.  Corey Bailey drew Circle 13’s Jordan’s Pet who exploded out of the chute with lots of kick then faked left and right. Corey looked great and remained centered while scoring 83 to give him the win with163 on two

All in all it was another great event at the Circle 13. Don’t forget to attend their next two-day event on August 25^th and 26^th.

July was rounded out by the July 28^th event put on by Rafter C’s Guy Cox at the annual Good Luck Fire Dept. Rodeo in Rutherford, TN. We didn’t make the event but I heard it was a packed house. Jessie Perez and Matt White had the only qualified rides in the event. Jessie rode P&M’s 23 Flatliner for 72 points to finish second in the event. Matt White rode Rafter C’s Krazy Kat for 74 points to get the win. If you can make sure you get over to Circle 13 on the 25th and 26^th of August for the two day event. Don’t forget to check the ABA site for the rest of the schedule.

For those of you wanting to ride at a practice pen don’t forget there is one every Thursday at Circle 13 in Denmark, TN.

Current Bull Riding News

 Congratulations to PBR's Ross Coleman on his July marriage to long time girl friend Amy.Wish you and your pretty bride well,Ross.

Please say a prayer for CBR/PRCA's Tag Elliott who   was injured at the Days of '47 Rodeo on July 24th. Like Tuff Hedeman did after his head on with Bodacious ,Tag underwent 10 hours  of reconstructive surgery after  his head and Werewolf's collided.He was ko'd  while suffering broken facial,cheek,eye orbital  bones along with breaking both jaws.Not a good way to celebrate  your  19th birthday.Tag was 19 on July 22nd. Tag was placed in a medically induced coma for the surgery and  the good news is that neurological tests are normal.

Tag had been second in the College National Finals Rodeo this year; and won the ProRodeo Tour event in Tucson,Arizona in February. Get well  Tag.

Welcome Home Lee Akin

Lee Akin has  been able to return home after several surgeries and months of extensive rehabilitation. The  PBR/PRCA  bull rider will undergo more  physical and speech therapy from his home in Weatherford,Oklahoma .According to Cody Custer lee has even been singing the ABC’s with daughter Jada and talking a storm although most of the speech is incoherent. Lee knows what he is trying to say but the words are still coming  out jumbled. All of us who know Lee are thrilled at his progress as he is returning from an injury that would have killed many another riders. Let’s keep the prayers going please.

The ABA at Circle 13 – June 30^th

It was another exciting event at Circle 13.Once again we had really rank bulls against some of the best young riders. Matt Littrell started the night off aboard Circle 13’s Prince Albert and its no shame to come down early from this rank bull. Prince Albert took two huge leaps straight to the left and jerked Matt forward causing him to slap the bull. Matt jumped off and then got ready to continue the event as one of the ABA’s top bullfighters. Like the CBR’s Matt Baldwin, Matt Littrell handles both positions well. Just a postscript here for those of you who might want to become a top bullfighter, Matt Baldwin honed his talents riding and bullfighting at Circle 13 several summers ago. If you want to learn things the right way see Scott and Matt Littrell. They sure can teach you how to ride and /or be a bullfighter.

Intercollegiate champion Jon Roberts drew one of my favorite Circle 13 bulls Super Dave 1, a good spinner. The bull took one leap out then went into a right spin then jumped out of it and had Jon down early.  PBR Finals Qualifier from the late nineties, Shawn Turner drew C W’s White Lightning who took two leaps straight out before going into a slow left spin away from Shawn’s hand with lots of elevation including leaps with all fours off of the ground. Shawn scored 78 and was headed to the short go.

Buck Friskillo was next to ride and he drew Marvin Littrell’s 49% Marvelous Marv who had a bad trip as he faked right and left with barely any kick and then bucked in place to unseat Buck. Circle 13’s White Demon took two long leaps out then faked left, faked right and faked left again to unseat bullfighter Brent Sisco. Colby Criswell went flying off of the explosive 14K Golddigger (Circle 13) as the bull exploded out of the chute then faked left and right several times with power. Rodeo Clown Mike Russell kept the audience laughing during breaks as he picked on Scott Littrell and others including my husband Norman in a cute little skit. Mike began by making a list of people he was going to “whoop” and finally he challenged my husband Norman to a fight in the arena during a break. Norman went out there and he was clowning around and really hamming it up. Scott kept telling Mike he would not be able to whoop Norman, a former navy Seal but Mike kept challenging until Scott and Brent came in to back Norman up and suddenly it was the Indians against the lone white man as they pulled their cowboy hats off to reveal their Mohawks and they all let out their war whoops. The crowd roared as Mike booked it out of the arena. We were all letting out the war whoops as many of us as is the norm in about all rodeo/bull-riding events are of American Indian descent. After all the first real cowboys were Indians who were trained by the Spaniards to herd their cattle.

The next rider up was Mike’s son Josh Russell who drew Circle 13’s Joker’s Wild who took two huge leaps out then faked left hard to make Josh hit the ground. Matt Smith drew Circle 13’s Boo who didn’t have his normal trip, as he faked left then bucked straight down the arena before circling to the left with not much kick. Matt scored 71.

J.M. Cox drew my (CWR Bucking Bulls) bull TN Two Hawks who power bucked with speed as he circled to the left with his high kicks. This was the first time he has ever been rode and the score was 72.Normally he has the rider off by the fourth leap. PBR lower tier rider Altus Dieterlen drew Circle 13’s Beavis who faked left then bucked in place to get Altus down early.D.L.Goodman drew CW Ranch’s (that’s Craig Whitman Ranch not to be confused with our CWR [Cherokee Wolf Ranch]) Black Chief who took two leaps straight out then circled left to get D.L. down. We had a lot of Matt’s there, as the next to ride was NABA World Champion Matthew White aboard Circle 13’s Rimshot. The bull walked out then took two good bucking leaps before faking left then circled left alternating kick with no kick making for a harder ride. Matt scored 75.

He was followed by Zack Jackson aboard CW’s Chief Page who spun to the right away from Zach’s hand then stopped at 7 seconds and went back to bucking at 7.9. Somehow Zach scored a 79 for the ride, which I would have scored lower because of the bull stopping when he did. Zach was in complete control though.

Matt McCarley drew one of my favorite Circle 13 bulls, TNT Dynamite. I love these white spotted Plummers and Dynamite makes me think of the late Freddy Cordell’s J.D.’s Happy Hour. Unfortunately Dynamite didn’t have his normal trip and he just hop, skipped and jumped straight left but Matt scored 72. Chris Stackler drew our bull Cat Five Hurricane and was off by the fifth high kicking jump. Kevin Ables drew Circle 13’s Jordan’s Pet and was in the dirt right out of the chute as the bull put the power to him.

Jessie Perez drew Circle 13’s White Lightning who took one leap out then made a fast, sharp left turn with rear and drop and high kicks before reversing to the right to buck Jessie off. It’s no shame to come down from a great bull like this one. Now come on guys. We have Super Dave 1 and Super Dave II and now there is Beavis and Beavis 2^nd.I guess it’s the George Forman trend with his sons named George 2,George 3,etc. Jarrett Melton scored 83 to take the lead when he made a great ride aboard Circle 13’s Beavis 2^nd, who put some power to the hop, skip and jump trip he had before going into a fast left spin with lots of action. Jarrett, like Jessie Perez and so many others makes a point of riding at Circle 13’s practice pen on Thursday nights even when he has a two-day event on the weekend.

Super Dave 2 took one leap out before going into his fast right spin to put Shaun Mehling down early. Corey Bailey was the last rider and he scored 74 aboard Circle 13’s EG Get You Some who ran out of the chute faked left then hop, skipped and jumped straight left.

 In the short go the first rider up was Matthew White aboard CW Ranch’s Big Show not to be confused with the bull of the same name you see on television. So many bulls carry the same or similar names that the only way you know who is who is normally by their number and the contractor’s name. This bull took 5 leaps straight out before spinning to the left with kick and action. Matthew scored 85 and had 160 on two head.

Zach Jackson drew Circle 13’s Buzzard Bait who took a leap straight out then circled left with high kicks and lots of power. Zach scored 79 and had 158 on two. Jarrett Melton drew Circle 13’s Full House, an 8 year old who still has it. Its no shame to come down from his as he exploded out of the chute faking left and right with power. Shawn Turner drew Denmark Biggs who turned back to the chute then jumped out of it and faked left then spun to the left with lots of action away from Shawn’s hand. Shawn scored 87 and took the lead with 165 on two head. Corey Bailey drew Circle 13’s Copenhagen Drifter, another of Scott’s explosive bulls. Even in the heat Drifter never has a bad trip. He blew out of the chute with super high kicks, took one left spin into Corey’s hand then jumped out of it and bucked straight with lots of kick and action. Corey scored 83 and finished with 158 points on two.

Shawn Turner won the event with 165 points while Matthew White was second with 160 on two. Corey Bailey and Zach Jackson tied at 158 and Jarrett Melton who won the long go was fifth. The next ABA event will be at Circle 13 on July 14^th and 15^th. Don’t forget to check the website for upcoming events and try and make it to the Thursday night Practice Pen and Futurities.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - DRAFT

GO COUNTRY AT BEAU RIVAGE RESORT & CASINO

MARCH 30-31 WITH TUFF HEDEMAN AND CHRIS CAGLE

Tickets Now Available for Tuff Hedeman's Mississippi Shootout

And Concert From Chris Cagle 

Biloxi, Miss. - March 16, 2007 - Dust off your cowboy hats and sharpen your spurs for a rip-roarin' weekend of pure country fun March 30-31 as Beau Rivage joins forces with legendary bull riding champion Tuff Hedeman to welcome his own official bull riding event - Tuff Hedeman's Mississippi Shootout - to Biloxi, Miss.  To get the party started, Beau Rivage is kicking off the weekend with a concert from one of country music's best, super star Chris Cagle. 

On Friday, March 30, Beau Rivage gives country fans the opportunity to begin the star-studded weekend by meeting bull riding's best at the World Champion Kick Off party at 6 p.m. inside Coast at Beau Rivage Resort & Casino.  At 8 p.m., mosey on over to the Beau Rivage Theatre to see country heartthrob Chris Cagle in concert.  Known for hits like "Laredo" and "I Breathe In, I Breathe Out," Cagle is the working-class hero of the country music industry.  Currently on tour promoting his 2006 album "Anywhere But Here," Biloxi is just one of a few cities to experience Cagle's high-energy no-frills stage show.  Tickets for this one-night-only engagement start at $19.95 and can be purchased through the Beau Rivage box office at (888) 566-7469.

On Saturday, March 31, join four-time world champion bull rider and president of Championship Bull Riding (CBR) Tuff Hedeman, and more of the industry's top professional bull riders inside the Mississippi Coast Coliseum at 8 p.m. for the Tuff Hedeman Mississippi Shootout.  Experience extreme adrenaline first hand as newly crowned 2007 PRCA Ft. Worth Champion McKennon Wimberly, 2006 PRCA Champion B.J. Schumacher, 2005 PRCA, 2005 & 2006 CBR World Champion Matt Austin and 2004 PRCA World Champion Dustin Elliott take on the sport's most feared bulls and compete for the top prize and prestige at CBR's fourth event of 2007. 

The Mississippi Shootout should be the most exciting CBR event to date, with top-notch cowboys and an incredibly rank pen of bulls headed to Biloxi. "This is the first year we'll be in Biloxi and we're really excited to be partnering with Beau Rivage Resort & Casino to make it happen," said CBR President Hedeman. "We've got world champion cowboys and the best bulls coming. Fans can expect to see some great match-ups," he added.

Tickets for this event start at $15 and go on sale Friday, March 16. They can be purchased through the Coliseum Box office at (228) 594-3707 and at all Ticketmaster locations, (800) 488-5252.

About Beau Rivage Resort & Casino:

Casual elegance is redefined at Beau Rivage Resort & Casino, MGM MIRAGE's destination resort on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Named one of the top 100 hotels in the continental United States and Canada by Travel + Leisure, Beau Rivage blends world-class amenities with world-famous Southern hospitality. Featuring 1,740 elegantly appointed guest rooms and suites, 10 restaurants, 4 nightclubs and bars, a 1,550-seat theatre, an upscale shopping promenade, a world-class spa & salon, and Fallen Oak, a new Tom Fazio designed championship golf course, Beau Rivage offers the finest destination resort experience in the Southeast. For more information or to make reservations, call (888) 56-ROOMS or (228) 386-7444 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. (CDT), Monday-Friday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends, or visit www.beaurivage.com.

About Championship Bull Riding, Inc.

The CBR is the fastest growing bull riding series in America.  Billed as the "fastest hour on TV" the CBR, presented by B&W Trailer Hitches, provides non-stop action-packed danger, raw energy and emotion.  CBR features some of the greatest icons in the industry including Tuff Hedeman, Terry Williams, Pam Minick.  The CBR is televised on the Outdoor Channel, Outdoor Channel 2HD and Outdoor Channel On Demand.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Mary Cracchiolo, Beau Rivage, (228) 386-7134, mcracchiolo@beaurivage.com

Mary Ramos, Championship Bull Riding, (903) 693-3244, maryramos@msn.com