2018 Winner Jett Harkins returns to the Tuff Hedeman Cripple Creek Challenge to defend his title Saturday night at Cowtown Coliseum.
Tuff Hedeman Challenge presented by Rock and Roll Denim
FORT WORTH - For 27 years Hedeman has been supporting the industry’s next generation by inviting them to compete in the spotlight as part of the annual South Point Tuff Hedeman Challenge Bull Riding held Saturday, April 6 at 8 pm at the Stockyards Cowtown Coliseum.
Hedeman taps the top talent from the surrounding areas to compete in front of the standing room only crowd. The top junior steer riders were issued invitations to compete in the Tuff Hedeman Cripple Creek Junior Championship Challenge held in conjunction with Saturday night’s annual bull riding extravaganza.
Representing the Texas Youth Bull Riders will be Jadon Hayes, Cisco TX, Stone Wickline, Glen Rose, TX, Colton Burkard, Ivanhoe, TX, Wacey Schalla, Arapaho, OK, and Mecate Trammel, Perrin, TX.
It is all business on the back of the chutes for these decorated young athletes who arrive hours early, check their stock, and waited patiently sitting on top of the bucking chutes watching their idols and hopefully their future.
Gathered up with the professionals on the back of the chutes, six young cowboys will bow their heads during the prayer, cross their hearts at the anthem, and imitate the pro bull rider’s moves as they compete for the $30,000 prize purse.
“With NFR guys and World Champions competing before them, these boys get to see the best talent of the industry and learn a great deal from sportsmanship to technique, and that is motivating,” said Hedeman.
“Sage Kimzey is my biggest inspiration because Sage’s got perfect form and he’s really good at what he does,” said Mason Spain, a two time Cripple Creek Challenge Champion from Forney.
Riding bucking steers in front of a packed house of both fans and peers, they all agree "it's pretty cool."
“Spectators really enjoy the youth bull riding portion of the night,” said Hedeman. “They are this country’s future to carry on the cowboy tradition. They’re excellent athletes who have earned the privilege of riding here. All kids can look up to them. It’s a great experience for the other kids too.”
While the chance to ride does have its rewards, it is not without its challenges and consequences.
The sport of bull riding is not without its price tags, including entry fees, travel, and unfortunately doctor’s bills occasionally. Money and college goals are part of the allure of bull riding for these children and their parents. Through 8 seconds of rough stock competition, a financial and educational future can be paved with college scholarships thru rodeo teams.
Competing on the same dirt floor in the same arena where Hedeman produced his first event 27 years ago, he will once again pack the house and entertain bull riding fans and newcomers in town who are looking forward to experiencing a traditional western entertainment event featuring the industry's elite riders against world-class bucking bulls in a three round sudden death format.
Chris Rankin interviews Cripple Creek Challenge contenders
Hedeman’s annual event includes a stick bull riding for kids 6 and under, an intermission steer riding for up and coming bull riders representing the sport’s future athletes.
Hedeman also announced the return of Cody Sosebee, the 2019 Pro Rodeo Entertainer of the Year, who will be roaming the crowd and giving away merchandise during breaks in the action.
Tickets on Sale now ranging from $35 to $100. Fans are encouraged to get their tickets now as the show has sold-out in past years and is expected to do so this year,
Date: April 6, 2019
Websites: Tuff HedemanBullRiding.com; Stockyardsrodeo.com;
Stick bull riding entries email stickbullrider@aol.com
Tickets: https://www.stockyardsrodeo.com or Stockyards Coliseum box office
Location: Cowtown Coliseum, 121 E Exchange Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76164
Hedeman is available for interviews. For interviews, press credentials and more information, please contact Leigh Ann Schroeder 940.902.1112 or tuffhedemanpr@gmail.com