Waterloo Optimist Blue Army Bull Bash
Tuff Hedeman Break Out Series
Waterloo, Illinois - Breakout Out bull rider Matthew Weaver wins Blue Army Bull Bash, the finale of the Wicked Rank Midwest Swing.
WATERLOO, Illinois - (September 22, 2019) – According to Matthew Weaver’s social media he lives on a dairy farm and likes to ride horses, but on Saturday night he showed the Blue Army Bull Bash record-breaking crowd just how much he LOVES to ride bucking bulls.
“Glory to God it was a blessing to win the event I had two good bulls drew Saturday night one from Cory Check Bucking Bulls and another good bull from Randy Littrell’s Shop Creek Cattle Co. I just kept my hand shut and got them rode, and the rest fell into place. As for what's next for me, I have a few goals left for the end of the season that I'd like to accomplish. And just anywhere where the road takes me.”
Matthew Weaver accepts the win from Jim Probst, Waterloo Optimist Club
Winning his second title this year at a Tuff Hedeman Breakout Series event, Twenty-year-old Matthew Weaver of Grovespring, Missouri outlasted twenty-two contestants to get his portion of the $10,000 added money payout. With only six qualified rides, Weaver was the only contestant to ride two and earned the event title with an average score of 159.5 and took home the lion’s share of the money, $3,220.80.
The night began with a packed house as earlier in the week, organizer Jim Probst of the Waterloo Optimist challenged the community to fill up the stands for this charity fundraising bull riding.
"We began this event nine years ago with the dream of selling out to raise money to support the youth of this community and each year we get a little closer, this year exceeded my expectations and a big thank you to everyone who assisted this effort," said Probst following the event.
Round one winner was last year's Midwest Swing Champion Matt Palmer who jumped out to the lead with an 86.5 performance on SC 115, a re-ride bull. On his heels was the second-place Adam McConnell with 82.5 on HS 148 Rio Bravo. Weaver took third as he hung on for 72 points on CC61 Rich and Famous.
Round two was a repeat with only three qualified rides. Breakout rider Javier Garcia not only won the round but earned the highest score of the night with 89 points - riding away from his hand - on Motley Crew. Weaver stayed steady with 87.5 on Guard Rail while 2018 Breakout rider Brandon Davis posted 85.5 points on HS 391 Mad Money.
Javier Garcia accepts the Championship win, check, and saddle from Jim Probst.
Accepting the win from Probst Weaver stood in front of the chute gate and received the check, trophy saddle, buckle, and championship title of the finale of the Tuff Hedeman Breakout Series Midwest Swing Bull Riding Series.
“I would like to thank Matt Noble for the great series of bull ridings and giving us an opportunity to compete. I have been fortunate to draw really good bulls and to ride in front of a sold-out crowds at each city gives me the confidence I needed," said Weaver.
The Wicked Rank Midwest Swing Series tour is a five-event bull riding series produced by Matt Noble, Next Level Bull Riding and sanctioned by the Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding Tour as a Breakout Series event. The Illinois events are held in Belvidere, Woodstock, Big Rock, Morrison, and Waterloo.
The Tuff Hedeman Break Out Series continues next weekend in Jacksonville, Texas at the Nicky Wheeler Memorial Bull Riding on September 28. For more information and ticketing, links see www.tuffhedemanbullriding.com.
Blue Army Bull Bash Average Results
1, Matt Weaver, Grovespring, MO 159.5 points, $3220.80. 2, Javier Garcia, Mexico, 89 points, $2,440.00. 3, Matt Palmer, Chelsea, OK, 86.5, $2049.50. 4, Brandon Davis, 85.5, $976.00. 5, Adam McConnell, 82.5, $1073.60.
Midwest Swing Series Champion - Javier Garcia of Mexico, $10,000 bonus check
CONTACT: Matt Noble, matt@nextlevelbullriding.com or call 815-651-6661.
Tuff Hedeman interviews or information contact Leigh Ann Schroeder, tuffhedemanpr@gmail.com – 940.902.1112. Bull Rider entries and inquiries matt@nextlevelbullriding.com.