Nicky Wheeler Memorial - Bull Spotlight

2018 National Finals Rodeo Qualifier Koby Radley on 277 Dirty Little Secret owned by Jeff Harris


277 Dirty Little Secret

Sire: Zorro

The definition of a dirty little secret is something kept hidden or unexplained, a mystery, something divulged only to those of one’s own company – in short, a trade secret.

It is no accident that bucking bull #277 has become one of Jeff Harris’s trade secrets. Before he was a regular on Jeff Harris trailer, #277 won $150,000 as a two year old competitor in the futurity games. Most fans will say they come to the events to see the super star riders of the Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding tours, but this year add a Bull of the Year to the list of reasons you buy a ticket to the Nicky Wheeler Memorial Bull Riding at the Jacksonville Rodeo Arena on October 6.

Once described as “just a bull” that Harris was grooming for rider competition, 277 has become the anchor of Harris’ pen of buckers at the Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding Tour events and additional bull team competitions. Harris credits the bull’s success to his love for the job of being a bucking bull.

“He is one in a million animal, gentle, just a big pet and he loves what he does and loves to get on the trailer when we are loading up for the trips,” said Harris.    

Besides being part of the team that has made Harris in excess of half a million dollars in bull team earnings, Dirty Little Secret is one of the most coveted bull names that right handed bull riders want to see their name next to when they check in with the event secretary, and one lucky rider will get that experience at the Jacksonville Rodeo Arena on Saturday night at the Nicky Wheeler Memorial Bull Riding.

“277 is the bull to have not only this weekend but anytime. He’s proven that every time he’s ridden it’s straight to the pay window. And speaking from experience he feels great and I’m looking forward to the rematch,” said former NFR qualifier and current THBRT competitor and television broadcaster, Cody Rostockyj.

Cody Rostockyj hopes for a rematch with 277 Dirty LIttle Secret when he arrives in Jacksonville this weekend.

Bucking in the first round position at four of the five Tuff Hedeman tour events this season, 277 carried some of the most prestigious names in the industry to the 8 second whistle. Tristan Mize was unfamiliar with the bull until he was matched with him last month where he thrilled the crowd with an 88 point spin to win the semifinal round in Huron, South Dakota.

“I got on 277 and he was a really nice bull, all my buddies said he was the one to have and it worked out he was a really, really good bull. I didn’t know any of the bulls here, but I knew Jeff from early in my career - and he helped me out,” said Tristan Mize.

The reigning National High School Rodeo Champion Cole Skender drew him as his first bull at his first professional event and rode him for 90 points in El Paso. Louisiana cowboy Koby Radley, who recently qualified for his first NFR, placed in Fort Worth thanks to his 87.5 ride on the almost palomino colored bucker.

Arkansas cowboy Cole Skender captured his first qualified ride at a pro event with his 90 points aboard Harris’ prize bucker in El Paso at the Casa Ford Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding.

Brody Yeary took him for an 89 point spin in Las Vegas and Dalan Duncan was 89.5 on him in Bossier.

Owned by Jeff Harris of Palestine, Dirtily Little Secret is the bull he can always count on to have the same trip. Ridden by six of the newly named 2018 National Finals Rodeo qualifiers, including Sage Kimzey, Jeff Askey, Joe Frost, Eli Vastbinder and Trey Benton, 277 can be a friendly foe or a fierce opponent if you are left handed.

Dalan Duncan on 277 at the Eldorado Resort Casino TH Bull Riding Tour event.

Harris, a World Champion Bull Team owner, owner-operator of Rafter J Ranch in Palestine, is the co-producer of the Nicky Wheeler Memorial Bull Riding and will add flanking to his list of chores on Saturday night as he loads 277 and others into the bucking chutes.

Harris with his wife Susan and two children, Lacee and Tate, will be helping with the annual fundraiser for the area 4-H and FFA Youth Scholarship Programs.

 “I raised my kids in and around the bucking bulls and we are blessed to all participate in the family business, they all recognize good bulls and we don’t sugar coat the truth,” laughed Harris.

 “We are proud to work with Haley Beasley, the backbone of this event, and we all pitch in and raise money for the FFA and 4-H students in Cherokee County,” continued Harris.

For more information about the Nicky Wheeler Memorial Bull Riding contact Haley Beasley- 903-747-7199 or Lacee Harris - 903-724-0591. Tickets are on sale at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-nicky-wheeler-memorial-bull-bash-tickets-48716784213 of thru http://www.tuffhedemanbullriding.com.

Tuff As Nails

Chris Rankin is More Than JUST A VOICE

Chris Rankin, Normangee, Texas is the Voice of the Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding Tour

It takes a small army of men and women to produce a bull riding the magnitude of the national Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding Tour events.

“We mostly recognize the elite athletes that compete, this week I would like to take the opportunity to recognize a Tuff As Nails guy who was recently awarded yet another accolade from the rodeo industry,” said 4-time World Champion and Pro Rodeo Hall of Famer, Tuff Hedeman.

Known for keeping the energy level high and a quick wit, Chris Rankin is the voice of the Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding Tour and was just tapped for the Cowboy Professional Rodeo Association (CPRA) Announcer of the Year for the sixth time (2004-2008 and 2018).

Chris began his announcing career in 2000, and through the years his talent was recognized not only by Hedeman, but the National High School Rodeo Association (NHSRA) selected Rankin to announce their Finals (2015-2018); the Jr. High School Rodeo Association Finals, the Texas Jr. High and High School Finals, and about 50 rodeos and bull ridings around the country.

“I do it, more or less, because I get to see the future,” he said regarding the NHSRA Finals.

"To some, this is part of America that no longer exists but to so many like at these youth events, it still represents the present and their future,” continued Rankin.

Rankin enjoys being involved and supporting high school rodeo because of the opportunities it presents to the young cowboys and cowgirls around the nation, including paying for college educations.

But what many do not know, in addition to his announcing duties, he was tapped years ago by Hedeman as his Production Manager both for CBR and for the THBRT.

GAMEDAY

What is game day like for Chris Rankin? His day begins on location at 5 am unloading trucks and staging followed by set up, crew meetings, production meetings, sound and video board checks. He supervises every aspect of the production including bulls unloading, bull rider check-in and bullfighter arrival. He opens the building for public relations interviews, keeping a change of clothes in his truck so he can also pinch hit for Hedeman on the morning news before Hedeman arrives on location.

He has one job – to see that the world created by Tuff Hedeman is in order.

Rankin has been at Tuff Hedeman’s side since 2010.

For a guy who is afraid of heights, sometimes his job can be challenging.

"There are so many working parts in producing a live event and you have to have great help to make it all come together, my most challenging is everyone on this crew wears a lot of different hats and just making sure each person knows exactly what to do and when, is my greatest challenge, but they haven’t let us down yet.”

"Secret to a good event is you have to have good help, and we have hands down the best crew we have ever had – right now," said Rankin.

GIVING BACK

"A good example has twice the value of good advice,” said Rankin about why he and his family produce the annual Baytown Youth Fair and Rodeo Bull riding which is sanctioned by the Tuff Hedeman Breakout Series.

Chris Rankin grew up in the area, and this is his way of giving back – bringing a top-flight event to Baytown each year to benefit the youth livestock exhibitors of the Baytown Fair and Rodeo.

"Events like these are crucial to our sport and are created to give bull riders the opportunity to "break out" and be noticed alongside some of the industry greats, and it is imperative the events at this level survive, and I am just there to help out if I can," said Hedeman.

Rankin produces the TH Baytown Breakout Series with a little help from his friends (and family). Wife Ida, boys Coleby and Tyler, and many other relatives and friends can be found in and out of the arena. Chris and his family live in Normangee, Texas.

THE SCOUT

Chris credits his 18-year career behind the microphone with being at the right place at the right time so who better to recognize young talent in the bull riding world.

Chris, shying away from the attention and awards bestowed upon him, quickly turned the attention to his Tuff As Nails picks from his summer run of rodeo and bull riding.

Coy Pollmeier, Fort Scott, Kansas  

"He's a kid that has been to the NHSRF, that's where I first saw him, He's a senior this year and two time Reserve National High School Champion. Tuff invited him to Huron and what really impressed me was he drew Kookaburra (JC Knapp), a bull that rarely gets ridden, but he took him a long way, and he never gave up on a bull that throws most people off quick. He was on the biggest stage and gave it all he had on a bull everyone else knows his hard to get around most were glad they didn’t draw.”

*Pollmeier earned a qualifying score at the TH Breakout event on night one in Huron. Hedeman liked what he saw and brought him back on night two for his first THBRT event where he advanced to the Semifinal round in his first THBRT event. 

Coy Pollmeirer gets Chris Rankin’s “Tuff As Nails” tag from his debut at the THBRT in Huron, South Dakota.

JT Moore – "We have seen JT before, but he is riding on a different level right now and seems to have it all together, his fundamentals are comparable to Sage Kimzey, he never gets out of position, and I look forward to seeing how the next year plays out for him - I saw him on Hat Brand Rodeo company’s Scooby in Navasota, and he was 92 points on him. Scooby is the same bull that bucked off Trey Benton at Tuff’s event in Fort Worth.”

*JT Moore is 9 for 11 or 82% ride average in 2018 PRCA events.

Hunter Ball, Deckerville, Michigan

"Here's an old-school cowboy coming from Michigan who has come in from the Breakout Series and he finished 3rd in the TH Midwest Spring Series. He joins Trey Holston riding for the rodeo team at Fort Scott Community College this year.

Hunter Ball on 881 Pearl Diver, Smokin Guns Rodeo

GOLDEN CHOPSTICKS AWARD

Sapporo Steakhouse in Rock Springs Wyoming. “I ate there four days in a row during the High School Finals, who would have thought the best place for a steak in Wyoming would be the Japanese Steakhouse.”  

You can hear Chris, the voice of the TH tour, next up at the Nicky Wheeler Memorial on October 6 at Jacksonville, Texas. TH Nicky Wheeler Memorial Tickets available here.

Rankin oversees the production while announcing the THBRT events. 

Hedeman and Redo Announced for Autograph Signing in Jacksonville

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Nicky Wheeler Memorial Bull Riding Announces Autograph Signing and Schedule

JACKSONVILLE, Texas – (September 27, 2018) - 4-Time World Champion Bull Rider and Pro Rodeo Hall of Famer, Tuff Hedeman, will be in Jacksonville, Texas on October 6 for the Nicky Wheeler Memorial Bull Riding (Former Bull Bash Revolution) raising money for local scholarships and celebrating the life of one of rodeo’s most prestigious and loved bull rider, Nicky Wheeler (https://www.tuffhedemanbullriding.com/news/2018/4/23/bull-riding-industry-mourns-loss-of-a-treasured-talent). Hedeman sanctioned this year’s Bull Bash as part of his Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding Breakout Series and will be in town for public appearances prior to Saturday night’s event.

Hedeman and Bullfighter Bryce redo will be at Raven Jute beginning at 1 pm on Saturday, October 6. Hedeman and bullriders will also sign autographs for fan immediately following the event.

Fans will have the opportunity to meet and take selfies with Tuff Hedeman and Bullfighter Bryce Redo on Saturday, Oct. 6 at Raven June in Jacksonville, Texas.

On site interviews available on Friday October 5 and Saturday, October 6 – please contact Leigh Ann Schroeder, 940.902.1112 or tuffhedemanpr@gmail.com. Interviews available, Tuff Hedeman, reknowned Bullfighter Bryce Redo (https://www.tuffhedemanbullriding.com/news/2018/9/18/dare-to-cross-the-dirt), Chris Rankin – Production and Announcer, Jeff Harris, World Champion Stock Contractor.

Friday, October 5

7pm – Nicky Wheeler Memorial Bull Riding Kick Off Party with Brian Chance Band– Sadler’s Kitchen, 101 S Bonner St, Jacksonville, TX 75766. Come meet the team! Bull Riders, bullfighters, bull owners and the men and women who make this event possible.

Saturday, October 6

1 pm - Meet Tuff Hedeman (1 – 2 pm) and Bullfighter Byrce (1 – 3 pm) Redo at Raven Jute Company, 107 East Commerce Street, Jacksonville Texas 75766 with KNUE 101.5, MIX 93.1 and KKTX 96.1 (Tickets for sale on site)

5 pm - Mutton Bustin’Registration – Open to Kids 55 lbs and under (Contestants limited to first 20 registered) followed by Goat Roping for kids all ages and Kids games, Jacksonville Rodeo Arena. 

Registration for Mutton Bustin at 5 pm at the Jacksonville Rodeo Arena

6:30 pm - Mutton Bustin’ Starts

7:00 pm -  Nicky Wheeler Memorial Tuff Hedeman Breakout Bull riding

About Nicky Wheeler Memorial Bull Riding

The annual bull riding, formerly known as the Bull Bash Revolution has taken on a new name this year! Now known as the Nicky Wheeler Memorial Bull Riding honoring a lifelong friend and well known stock contractor and bull rider Nicky Wheeler suddenly passed away in April of 2018. Nicky devoted his life to helping the youth especially in FFA and 4H chapters all over the state of Texas. The Wheeler family owns Fresh Country Fund Raising which is a major fundraising company involved with 4H and FFA chapters all over the area!

“We could not think of a better way to honor our lifelong friend than to carry on his love for the youth in agriculture. We are a non-profit organization that raises money to provide the youth of Cherokee County through scholarships,” said Haley Beasley from Jacksonville, Tx.

“We love what we do to help the kids in this community and we take pride in this event,” said Jeff Harris.

The production team of this event is Brian and Haley Beasley from Jacksonville, Texas and the Harris Family from Palestine, Texas.

TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE: Raven Jute Company, 107 E Commerce Street, Jacksonville, TX 75766 OR ONLINE https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-nicky-wheeler-memorial-bull-bash-tickets-48716784213.

Dare to Cross the Dirt

Fan favorite bullfighter Bryce Redo to fight at Nicky Wheeler Memorial

JACKSONVILLE, Texas, September 18, 2018 - Bull Riding is often described as a man vs. beast battle, but at the heart of every ride is the other guy in the arena, the one standing off to the side until needed, the one introduced as the bullfighter.

Tuff Hedeman announced today that Bryce Redo and Koby Adams will be the men who will step out onto the dirt at the Nicky Wheeler Memorial Bull Riding not to ride bulls, but to protect the lives of the 40 cowboys entered in the stand-alone bull riding event.

There is something special when bullfighters enter the arena, the gladiators of the sport that often go unnoticed – and that’s what a bullfighter calls a good night.

“Most challenging part of the job is when you see a guy on the ground and then get put on a stretcher, you feel you didn't do something right when that happens," said Redo, the 25-year-old bullfighter who will lead the bullfighting team in Jacksonville.

Known as @Rank_Redo on Twitter, Bryce was once known for daring backflips and jumping over bulls, he enters the arena now with a challenging and altered goal.

“I was selected for this job to do one thing  - I am responsible for everyone until that bull leaves the arena, that includes Tuff Hedeman, the safety roping guys, and the members of the production team,” continued Redo.

“Tuff will come up from behind and say funny stuff to lighten us up sometimes,” said THBRT bullfighter Bryce Redo.

“Don’t get me wrong, it is an honor to protect the top talented bull riders in the world and know you are helping them win as much as $30,000 at each event, but really - I just want to save lives,” said Redo.

What usually makes bullfighting a fan favorite is a man versus beast factor.  A job that comes with extreme danger each time you go to work. Bullfighters that are serving as protection have one primary job – to ensure the bull rider dismounts and scrambles to safety while they distract the bull long enough to get the rider out of harm's way. Sounds easy? How about doing it 60 consecutive times with a thousand pound animal in the way. Many things can and do go wrong before the eight-second whistle blows.

 “I have taken a few beatings, but I stay in front of bulls a lot,  understanding cattle and reading them comes from experience, and I feel like it’s more a mental exercise than physical – I work out in the practice pens 3 times a week sometimes to get better,” continued Redo.

"He's an exciting young bullfighter to watch - reads those bulls like a seasoned bullfighter," said Matt Baldwin, who hired Redo to replace himself when he retired from his 17-year career as a bullfighter.

Two years later, Bryce answers a few questions on his new found career.

What are some of the challenges you expect in Jacksonville?

"Younger guys they want to hang on, and they don't let go until their head hits the ground with lots of money on the line, they try harder and put themselves in worse situations, the older guys know how to get off safely.”

How did you get started in this career?

“My mom wanted me to grow up to be a calf roper,” laughed Redo, but that didn’t happen.”

"I went to a Ross Hill bullfighting school – showed up to learn stuff – ended up teaching the class – he sent some videos of me to BFO, and I got into Sidney BFO event," recalled Redo who went on to win BFO Championships.

Redo became bored with welding and construction work and gravitated back to his family’s Southeast Texas rodeo roots – but in a different pair of shoes. The former second-generation bull rider traded his boots and cowboy belt in for pads and tennis shoes.

Redo passed up scholarship opportunities to run track at LSU and play football at Texas Tech. So it is no surprise one of this twenty-four-year old's favorite bull riders is from Lubbock and a Red Raider fan himself.

“Chandler Bownds was my idol when I was riding bulls and being there to protect him in his career now is an honor, and I really enjoy protecting some of my best friends like Boudreaux Campbell and guys like Demond Haynes, there are just no words to describe it.”

How did you get invited to fight bulls for the pioneer of the sport of bull riding?

 "Jake King invited me to the Lufkin cowboy church, and I was fighting bulls there and ran into Lyndal Hurst and Ray Clary, former bullfighter and member of the THBRT production team, and they called Matt Baldwin,” said Redo.

How do you handle the pressure of protecting some of the great bull riders of all time including World Champions Sage Kimzey and Mike Lee?

“We are all human and have rough days, but you have to stay in shape, work out and keep a clean and calm mindset in the arena, you have one job to do,” replied Redo.

What is your long-term goal?

"Fight in front of the yellow bucking chutes (National Finals Rodeo) one day; hopefully, I will make it there because that is what we all want, the chance to fight on the biggest stage."

What is your favorite event?

“Tuff’s event in Hobbs, New Mexico – the energy in the building is crazy good.”

You see them all, who should we be watching as up and coming stars?

Matt Palmer, he’s pretty sticky! I like JT Moore and Ezekiel Moore as well.

Redo, and fiancé Laci Jo Reynolds live in Kenefick, Texas, a community settled in 1830 which is forty-one miles northeast of Houston in central Liberty County. They are expecting their first child in November.

What are you thinking at the start of every event?

John 15:13  - Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

The Nicky Wheeler Memorial Bull Riding (formerly Bull Bash Revolution) is a two-round pro bull riding event to be held on October 6 at the Jacksonville Rodeo Arena.   

This annual event powered by the fans and the local community is the largest benefactor event for local FFA and 4-H college scholarships. Providing self-sufficiency and local jobs for future generations in the agricultural community is the goal of these scholarships and agricultural based programs.

This year’s event will once again be produced by a host of dedicated volunteers including previous Stock Contractor of the Year and World Champion bull team owner Jeff Harris and family of Palestine and Haley and Brian Beasley of Jacksonville. For More information and tickets visit Nicky Wheeler Memorial Bull Riding or by calling Haley Beasley, 903-747-7199. 

DATE:    October 6, 2018, 7:30 pm

LOCATION: Jacksonville Rodeo Arena, 915 Peeples Street, Jacksonville, TX 75766

SOCIAL MEDIA:  Nicky Wheler Memorial Bull Riding (Facebook); @Tuff HedemanOfficial (IG); Tuff Hedeman (Facebook)

TICKETS AVAILABLE at Raven Jute Company, 107 E Commerce Street, Jacksonville, TX 75766; https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-nicky-wheeler-memorial-bull-bash-tickets-48716784213.

For more information on Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding Tour log on to www.tuffhedemanbullriding.com or contact Leigh Ann Schroeder thedemanpr@gmail.com.

Palmer and Greig Gain Midwest Swing Series Bull Riding Titles

Waterloo Optimist Blue Army Bull Bash

 WATERLOO, Illinois -  (September 16, 2018)  – Hunted by a pack of ambitious rookies, twenty-one year-old Matt Palmer only had to earn one bull score at the two round Blue Army Bull Bash, and he did just that to hang on to the Midwest Swing Series Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding Championship. It took 428 points from the four city Midwest tour sanctioned by the Tuff Hedeman Break Out Bull Riding Tour, to win the title, custom saddle, trophy buckle, and bulk of the prize money. Palmer, who won two of the four series events, edged out rookie rider Hunter Ball who finished second in the final series standings with 348 points. Ball who competed intensely throughout the entire series is from Deckerville, Michigan and a freshman member of the Fort Scott Community College Rodeo Team in Fort Scott, Kansas.

Matt Palmer, Chelsea, Oklahoma, holds on to win Wicked Rank Midwest Swing Title

 With Tuff Hedeman in command of the chutes, twenty contestants competed in the two-round annual event and posted 11 total qualified rides to entertain the packed house of bull riding fans who gathered all day for autographs around town in support of the annual Waterloo Optimist Club fundraiser for youth programs.

Hunter Ball, Deckerville, Michigan, finished second in the Midwest Series Swing

Round one saw 8 qualified rides including Tuff Hedeman tour perennial rider and US Army veteran Juan Alonzo who rode for 88 points on 313 Rolling Thunder. He split the round with Cole Miller who also posted an 88. Hunter Ball was third in the round and barely behind the lead after one bull with 87.5 points. Caleb Ruyle was fourth with 85 points on 110 from CC Bucking Bulls. Palmer finished last in the round with a 72 on Hou’s Chicken and declined the re-ride option. What Palmer knew that the crowd didn’t was that one score placed Palmer one bull closer to the Midwest Swing Series title and he was not going to risk bucking off on a reride bull.

Round two was an advantage to the bulls who kept the ride column to three qualified rides with zero riders earning two scores from two attempts. Lighting up the crowd with his 90 point ride on 16R Louisville Slugger (Rawson), 18-year-old Bubba Greig captured the Waterloo Blue Army Bull Bash event title and prize money with the highest score in the second round and a fourth-place finish in the Midwest Swing Series with 261 total points. Greig, a high school senior from Estherville, Iowa, finished 18th in the 2018 National High School Rodeo Finals in July and seems to be on course with his goal of becoming a professional bull rider.   Lebaron was second in the round with 88 points, and Dayton Dubrin was the third and last rider to hear the whistle while on 101 Graffiti (Rawson), 86.5 points.

Event Chair Jim Probst, Tuff Hedeman, Bubba Greig, and Matt Noble

Accepting the win from Tuff Hedeman, Event Chair Jim Probst, and event producer Matt Noble, Palmer stood in front of the chute gate and collected his prize package of a check, trophy saddle, buckle, and championship title of the inaugural 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 Palmer.  

               The Wicked Rank Midwest Swing Series tour is 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 were held in Woodstock, Morrison, Belvidere and Waterloo.

 The Tuff Hedeman Break Out Series bull riding is up next in Jacksonville, Texas at the Nicky Wheeler Memorial Bull Riding on October 6. For more information and ticketing, links see www.tuffhedemanbullriding.com.

               Midwest Swing Series Results

Blue Army Bull Bash Average Results

1, Bubba Greig, Estherville, Iowa, 90 points on Louisville, Slugger (Rawson), $2,822.40. 2, Juan Alonzo, Weslaco, Tex., 88 points on 313 Rolling Thunder (Rawson), $1715.20. 3, Albert Lebaron, Mexico, 88 points, $1,552. 4, Cole Miller, 88. $1714. 5, Hunter Ball, Deckerville, Michigan, 87.5, $786.40.

CONTACT: Matt Noble, matt@nextlevelbullriding.com or call 815-651-6661.

For more information contact Leigh Ann Schroeder, tuffhedemanpr@gmail.com – 940.902.1112.

Matt Palmer Set to Defend Bull Riding Lead at Midwest Swing Finals

8th Annual Waterloo Optimist Blue Army Bull Bash

WATERLOO, ILLINOIS – (September 12, 2018) - The Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding Tour announced today the list of top competitors and public appearance schedule of the Waterloo Optimist Blue Army Bull Bash held annually at the Monroe County Fairgrounds on Saturday, September 15, at 7 pm. Fans can meet greet and take selfies with bull riding icon, and four-time World Champion Bull Rider Tuff Hedeman on Saturday at 10 am until noon at the Waterloo Rural King and again at the fairgrounds immediately following the bull riding.

The 2018 Bull Bash, sanctioned by the Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding Tour (THBRT), is chocked full of hopefuls squaring off with the veteran riders. The list of talented bull riders are all headed to Waterloo this weekend in hopes of pocketing the largest purse and final prize package of the Wicked Rank Midwest Swing.

Rookie bull rider Brandon Davis will be riding for the THBRT Midwest Swing Champion title at the 8th Annual Blue Army Bull Bash in Waterloo, Illinois. Davis on 231 Fire and Ice (Hurst and Baker) in Huron, SD.

Hedeman, who for the last 23 years has piloted the PBR and CBR, recently formed the pro bull riding tour in his name. The Pro Rodeo Hall of Famer is making the trip to Waterloo for the Tuff Hedeman Breakout Series fourth and final event of the 2018 Wicked Rank Midwest Series Swing, a division of the THBRT.  In addition to lucrative prize money, bull riders competing in Waterloo have qualified for the one-night performance, and the winner will be crowned the Series Champion and receive a check, Custom trophy saddle, and engraved Hy O Silver trophy buckle along with an invitation to compete at the next top tier nationally televised Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding Tour event.

World Champion Bull Team Owners Mike Rawson and Jim Probst will have Louisville Slugger in Waterloo.

Immediately following the action is the Blue Bash After Party with live music by The Avery Hill Band and an opportunity to meet Tuff Hedeman and the bull riders.

The THBRT is packed with talented riders who power the competitive series on the road throughout the year. The finale of the Tuff Hedeman Breakout Series tour offers young, new, and possibly unknown bull riders the opportunity to compete and be spotted and invited by Tuff Hedeman to one of his top-tier televised tour events.

“Fresh faces packed with talent, consistent veteran riders, and aan wesome pen of bulls from some of the best bull men in the business is what the fans can expect to see in Waterloo,” said Hedeman.

The Midwest Swing produced by Matt Noble of Next Level Bull Riding had its own dogfight in the trenches this season with Matt Palmer, Chelsea, Okla., in the lead.  It is a close race, and any of the top ten have a shot at winning the Series finale and taking home the title.

THE LEADER

Riding on confidence instilled from two wins on the Midwest Swing, the adrenaline, points, and the bucks keep coming for nineteen-year-old Matt Palmer from Chelsea, Okla., who missed the first event in Woodstock, but knocked out a perfect 2 for 2 in the second and third tour stops in Belvidere and Morrison. Palmer leads the series with a total of 356 points on four bulls and is the only rider entering the final event with four bull scores.

“I’m healthy and ready to get on,” said Palmer.

THE CONTENDERS

Behind Palmer sits Brandon Davis, Cabot, Arkansas, with 266.5 points, or one 89.5 point ride off the Series lead. Davis has ridden three bulls and competed in all three events.

A close 5.5 points behind Davis ranks Michigan cowboy Hunter Ball, who sits third with 260.5 points. 

Davis, Palmer, and Ball, who all were invited to compete in the recent Tuff Hedeman Tour event in Huron, all have their sights set on winning the Midwest Swing and re-joining the top tier tour event schedule that kicks off again in January.

Michigan bull rider Hunter Ball on 881 Pearl Diver of Smokin Guns Rodeo Bulls

But the Midwest Swing series has a few veteran riders who will no doubt be hard to beat. US Army veteran and 7 year pro Juan Alonzo is on the buck order as is Corey Atwell.

Producer Matt Noble doesn’t want anyone to count out Bubba Greig who stepped up twice to get on the bounty bull when Palmer was injured.

According to Noble, the "breakout" cowboy athlete to watch is Hunter Ball who went two for two including a 90 point ride in Belvidere and he also split second and third in Woodstock, the first stop on the Wicked Rank Midwest Tour.  Caleb McCaslin is on the possible “next big thing” radar as well. McCaslin who travels with leader Matt Palmer is from Jones, Okla.

“I have been impressed with Hunter who was second in Belvidere, he's an up and coming bull rider with a lot of talent, and he's making big bull rides, and the fans will get to see him in action in Waterloo” continued Noble.

This year's event festivities will begin at 4:00 pm when the doors open.  There will be plenty of concessions available including food and drink for young and old! The pro bull riding action gets underway at 7:00 pm and expected to conclude at 9 pm. Approximately 40 bull riders will face-off with 40 selected bucking bull opponents to win the lion's share of the $10,000 added prize money, a trophy saddle, and custom Hyo Silver buckle.

"You don't need a hat, or boots, or any knowledge of the sport, it's a family friendly event with great affordable food, horseback rides, and activities for the kids to do, and a top-level bull riding," said Optimist Event Chair and former World Champion Bull Team owner, Jim Probst.

The Breakout Series is known for its dogfights to the finish line, and although the Championship comes with a check from Tuff Hedeman in Waterloo, it will live on with many legendary stories of the launching of several bull riding careers. With the surge of new cowboys knocking on the THBRT door, barrel man entertainer Josh Foster, and bulls arriving from some of the best-known bull men in the business, the Blue Army Bull Bash will be a spirited event.

SCHEDULE

Saturday, September 15

10 am    Meet Tuff Hedeman - Rural King, 740 N Market St, Waterloo, IL 62298

4 pm      Gate/Doors Open Waterloo Bull Bash

7 pm      Waterloo Blue Army Bull Bash

9 pm Autographs, Tuff Hedeman, and bull riders

9 pm      After Party with Avery Hill Band

Ticket Information: http://www.waterlooILOptimist.org  or call 618-477-7240. Tickets also available: Waterloo Rural King, Waterloo Schnucks, Wm Nobbe John Deere, JVs Bar & Grill, Outsiders Bar, First National Bank of Waterloo most Branches & Carstar Collision Center in Red Bud.

Event Location: Monroe County Fairgrounds, 4177 State Route 156, Waterloo, Illinois; gates will open at 4:00pm

Event Chair: Jim Probst – email jprobst@wmnobbe.com or 618-477-7240 or Matt Noble, matt@nextlevelbullriding.com or call 815-651-6661.

Tuff Hedeman: Interview requests or information contact Leigh Ann Schroeder, Email - tuffhedemanpr@gmail.com – 940.902.1112.

Billy Bob's Announces Affiliation with Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding Tour

FORT WORTH, Tex., - (September 6, 2018) - Billy Bob’s Texas in the Fort Worth Stockyards announces an affiliation with the Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding Tour.  This Friday, September 7, Hedeman will make a personal appearance at the World’s Largest Honky Tonk on Friday at 9:30 pm between the first and second sections of bull riding.

Billy Bob’s has designed a quarterly competitive bull riding series, in which the champion of each of the four series finals will receive an invitation to ride in a nationally televised pro level Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding Tour event.

"Tuff Hedeman has a long history at Billy Bob’s, having ridden here during his World Championship run. 

He is the most recognized bull rider of all time and has developed such a following with fans and even the entertainers that perform here at Billy Bob’s, we know that this will definitely enhance our weekly event." said Pam Minick, VP of Marketing of Billy Bob’s. 

"Pam and I have been producing events together and promoting the sport of rodeo and bull riding for over 30 years, and I am pleased to be part of this new program which gives me an opportunity to advance talented young bull riders, it is a natural fit for both of us.  Our relationship with Billy Bob's is simple – we are both focused on helping connect young riders -- particularly who want to advance to the professional level – and to provide many people the chance to see live bull riding in person for the first time," said Hedeman.

Billy Bob’s Texas live professional bull riding performances are every Friday & Saturday night at 9 & 10 pm, and admission is $4.00.

For contestant info and Bull Riding entries, contact Cindy Reid at Double R Rodeo by phone at 254-582-7063 or email doublerrodeo@yahoo.com.

Log on to http://www.tuffhedemanbullriding.com for more information or follow us on social media: Facebook – Tuff Hedeman; Instagram @TuffHedemanOfficial

About Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding Tour

Hedeman formed the Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding Tour, televised on The Cowboy Channel, after serving for a combined 23 years as the former head of the two nationally organized professional bull riding organizations (PBR and CBR) since his retirement as a rider from the sport in 1999. Referred to as the “pioneer of the sport of bull riding” after producing the first stand-alone bull riding event in Fort Worth, Texas in 1993, Hedeman is a four-time World Champion Bull Rider, inducted into the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame and the most recognizable cowboy in the world. He resides on his ranch near Morgan Mill, Texas and has three sons, Lane, Trevor, and Ryker.

For interviews with Tuff Hedeman, please contact Leigh Ann Schroeder 940.902.1112 or tuffhedemanpr@gmail.com

8-Time World Champion Don Gay Joins El Paso THBRT Broadcast Team

 “There are two things that the fans want to see at Bull Ridings…One is eight-second rides…and the other is high scores."   - Tuff Hedeman. 

SATURDAY (7 pm ET) AND SUNDAY (1:30 AM ET)Bull riding fans will have the opportunity to see six 90 point plus rides from extraordinary cowboy athletes as the 13th annual invitation-only Tuff Hedeman El Paso Bull Riding airs on The Cowboy Channel..

Tim Bingham, Honeyville, Utah, takes Karaoke for a 91.5 point ride in the Semifinals of the El Paso THBRT.

The thirty-minute broadcast includes World Champions JW Harris, and Josh Barentine, Indian National Champions, Tustin Daye and Cody Jesus, NFR qualifiers Joe Frost, Cody Rostockyj, and Tim Bingham. You won’t want to miss one second as they battle the next generation including Brett Custer, Trey Kimzey and National High School Rodeo Champions Trey Holston and Cole Skender, who both debuted professionally with Tuff Hedeman standing in front of the chute. 

Fort Scott, Kansas Cowboy Trey Holston is a former Jr. High and High School National Finals Bull Riding Champion

Rooted in cowboy tradition, see the adrenaline packed stories unfold thru the eyes of the legendary Chute Boss, Tuff Hedeman, as they compete for the bulk of the $30,000 prize money.

In addition to Hedeman's unique three round sudden death style format, the THBRT broadcast features the amazing athletic feats of Bullfighters Bryce Redo and Beau Sleuth as they keep the arena a safe place for the Cowboys to go to work.

Bullfighters Bryce Redo and Beau Schueth

The broadcast features the return of 8-time World Champion bull rider Donny Gay to the broadcast booth. Gay joins Hedeman, rodeo royalty, Jeff Medders, National Finals Rodeo qualifier Cody Rostockyj and Emmy Award winning Chute reporter Ali Dee who catches the cowboy’s authentic reaction just moments after they pass thru the out gate.

 “We are extremely excited to bring the EL Paso event to The Cowboy Channel, and if you’ve ever been to El Paso, you know the fans are second to none and they really appreciate the great riders and bulls, they truly love and are dedicated to the sport on a weekly basis," said Hedeman.

If the bulls are your favorite, tune in because at the THBRT cowboys aren’t the only athletes competing. World-renown bulls are bucking weekly on three-bull teams – at stake – a prize purse of over $60,000 on each tour stop.

Selected for broadcast, the THBRT episodes on The Cowboy Channel will feature the highlights from tour stops in El Paso, Las Vegas, Bossier, and Fort Worth.

This year’s storied tour tells the narrative of event winner’s 7-time World Champion Sage Kimzey, PBR World Champion Mike Lee, Utah’s Tyler Bingham, and Intercollegiate Wrestling Champion turned bull rider, Ruger Piva.

Tuff Hedeman Welcomes Brett Custer to the tour. Custer is the son of 1992 PRCA World Cham Cody Custer.

"Kimzey is a rare talent who rides fundamentally flawless and has the heart and determination of a champion every time he pulls his rope," said Tuff Hedeman, the four-time World Champion bull rider who now produces the Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding Tour. A selection of tour stops, produced by Geronimo Productions, will air three times per week for ten weeks with repeats for the following 12 months.

The new partnership marks another key step as the THBRT continues to grow and drive fans to the action with new events and additional programming wrapped around the live tour.

The RMG Network enjoys distribution into more than 30 million homes on cable/satellite systems on DISH Network, DIRECTV®, AT&T U-Verse, Charter Spectrum, Cox, Comcast, Mediacom, and many other rural cable systems. Also, The Cowboy Channel can be streamed via Sling TV's Heartland Extra package. All times Eastern  - DirectTV - 603, Dish 232, Suddenlink, SlingTV Heartland Pkg, ATT&T 566, Charter Spectrum, Comcast, Cox. Check your local programming guide for additional information.   

Blue Army Bull Bash Hosts Midwest Swing Bull Riding Finals

Waterloo Optimist Blue Army Bull Bash presented by Waterloo Rural King  

 

WATERLOO, Illinois -  (September 4, 2018)  – The most recognizable cowboy in the world, 4 time World Champion bull rider and Pro Rodeo Hall of Famer, Tuff Hedeman, brings the fourth and final stop of the Tuff Hedeman Break Out Series Midwest Swing to the Monroe County Fairgrounds on Saturday, September 15 at 7:00 pm.

In addition to lucrative prize money, bull riders competing in Waterloo have qualified for the Midwest Swing Finals, and at the end of the night one rider will be crowned the Series Champion and receive a check, Custom trophy saddle, and the engraved HyO Silver trophy buckle. Immediately following the action is the Blue Bash After Party with live music by The Avery Hill Band and an opportunity to meet Tuff Hedeman and the bull riders.

“I am excited to be coming to Waterloo this year for the Bull Bash and look forward to a great show put on for the best element of every event – the fans, the people of Waterloo who love bull riding,” said Hedeman. Hedeman will be signing autographs on Saturday at 10 am at the Waterloo Rural King, 740 N Market St, Waterloo, IL., and after the bull riding.           

Hedeman will be signing autographs at Rural King on Saturday, September 15 at 10 am and again after the bull riding on the arena floor.

There are no guarantees in bull riding; the only way for cowboys to earn a paycheck is to ride better than the rest of the field in the heart-pounding competition wrapped around two rounds of non-stop action. The Tuff Hedeman Breakout Bull Riding Series pits the industry’s elite young-gun riders against the best bulls in a two-round format featuring Josh Foster as the entertainment from the barrel, the cowboy lifesaver bullfighters Josh Jacobs and Caleb Oostenryk, and the voice of the Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding Tour, Chris Rankin, who will provide play by play and color commentary from the announcer’s stand with Matt Palmer.

The Blue Army Bull Bash is a deep-seated tradition of the Waterloo Optimist Club and in its 8th year of bringing first-class traditional western entertainment to the community.

“We are pleased to host the Midwest Swing Finals which will bring some of the industry’s best riders this year who have been competing for the past six weeks on the Tuff Hedeman Breakout Series and Waterloo is the last event where the Series Champion will be crowned. It's a great opportunity to come out and meet the pioneer of the sport of bull riding, and the Optimist Club is thrilled to bring this top-notch sporting competition to the community and deliver a great show, said Blue Army Bull Bash Event Chairman, Jim Probst.

  The 8th Annual Blue Army Bull Bash benefits the Optimist Club of Waterloo Illinois and their numerous Youth Programs for Waterloo, Monroe County, and surrounding youth.  The annual family-friendly event boasts children 10 and under receive free admission with a ticketed adult. 10 years and over tickets are on sale for $15 now and will be $20 at the gate. The annual event is produced by Matt Noble of Next Level Bull Riding and sanctioned for the first time by the Tuff Hedeman Breakout Series Bull Riding.  According to event chair Jim Probst, there is truly something for everyone at the Bull Bash.

“Great affordable food and various drinks for young and old and come early because you won’t want to miss the horseback rides and other activities for kids before the event.”

Fans will have more than one opportunity to meet Tuff Hedeman, he will be signing autographs at the Waterloo Rural King on Saturday, September 15 and again at the bull riding along the fence line immediately following the last ride.

 This year’s event festivities will begin at 4:00 pm when the doors open.  There will be plenty of concessions available including food and drink for young and old! The pro bull riding action gets underway at 7:00 pm and expected to conclude at 9 pm. Approximately 40 bull riders will face-off with 40 selected bucking bull opponents in an effort to win the lion’s share of the $10,000 added prize money, a trophy saddle and custom HyO Silver buckle. From great bulls matched up with superstar riders intertwined with upbeat music and arena entertainment from barrel man Josh Foster, the 8th Annual Waterloo Optimist Blue Army Bull Bash will be second to none.

*The Blue Army Bull Bash event schedule and rider roster will be released at a later date. Keep up with all the news about the Blue Army Bull Bash on Facebook and on the Waterloo Optimist Club social media and Tuff Hedeman on Facebook and @TuffHedemanOfficial on Instagram.

Ticket Information: http://www.waterlooILOptimist.org or call 618-477-7240. Tickets also available: Waterloo Rural King, Waterloo Schnucks, Wm Nobbe John Deere, JVs Bar & Grill, Outsiders Bar, First National Bank of Waterloo most Branches & Carstar Collision Center in Red Bud.

Event Location: Monroe County Fairgrounds, 4177 State Route 156, Waterloo, Illinois; gates will open at 4:00pm

Event Chair: Jim Probst – jprobst@wmnobbe.com or 618-477-7240 or Matt Noble, matt@nextlevelbullriding.com or call 815-651-6661.

Tuff Hedeman: Interview requests or information contact Leigh Ann Schroeder, tuffhedemanpr@gmail.com – 940.902.1112. Bull Rider inquires contact matt@nextlevelbullriding.com.

Mize and Holston Headline Huron

Tristan Mize, Bryan, Texas wins the average title on 277 Dirty Little Secret at the Red Wilk Tuff Hedeman Bull Bash in Huron, South Dakota

Red Wilk Construction Tuff Hedeman Bull Bash

Debuting at his first Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding Tour, 21-year-old Tristan Mize found his way to the winners circle to accept the custom created trophy belt and check from Tuff Hedeman and Red Wilk for the average title of the Red Wilk Construction Tuff Hedeman Bull Bash. For two days the bucking bulls enjoyed the spotlight ruling over the 88 outs. 12 riders posted qualified rides with Tristan Mize and Trey Holston finishing at the top of the results sheet for the two events in Huron, South Dakota.

Coming to Huron for the first time under his newly titled Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding Tour, 40 bull riders faced off with world-class bucking bulls in five rounds of intense, high energy man vs beast competition that entertained the overflow crowd packed into the South Dakota State Fair Grandstands.

The Red Wilk Construction Bull Bash celebrated its 15th year as the opening show that kicked off the 135-year-old State Fair tradition in South Dakota.  Four-time World Champion and Pro Rodeo Hall of Famer Tuff Hedeman and local businessman Red Wilk produced the fan favorite two-night event featuring a passionate patriotic American Hero Ceremony celebrating the lives of 24 Veterans of War.

 “We would not be in Huron without Red Wilk, we share the same ideas and values in producing great entertainment and the ceremony honoring the freedom that we all experience every day is truly amazing and honoring the service record of some of the most decorated war heroes is a privlege,” said Hedeman.

Round One

Matt Palmer was the first to score riding 26Y Savage Moves (Whinant/Shaw) for 86.5. Rookie Brandon Davis took the veteran bull 9100 Kojack for an 86 points spin followed by Trey Kimzey who refused to let go of 99 Nine-0 as he survived the 85.5 first round score. Mize fought with American Dream (Smokin Guns Rodeo) in the chute had this to say about his 4.24.

“My long round was a really good bull, but he gave me a fit in the chute and I did not like the way I took him, he squatted in the chutes and wanted to beat me out of the box and he did, I was behind from the get go,” said Mize who advanced to the Semifinal round on time ridden.

“I like to get them right when there is a lot of money on the line, and I do this for a living, so I take my time and want to take them standing correctly,” added Mize.  

The next generation would take a back seat on the leaderboard after veteran rider David Hudson rode 08 Eightball (Burruss Bucking bulls) and took the lead with an 87.

Semifinal Round

With only four qualified rides in round one, eight riders advanced to the second round on time ridden. The cool windy nights continued to increase the bull’s attitudes as they almost bucked a shut out in the semifinal round. Mize, the only rider to make 8, would thrill the crowd with his 88 point domination of Jeff Harris’ bull rider favorite, 277 Dirty Little Secret.

“I got on a really nice bull, and all my buddies said he was the one to have and it worked out he was a really good bull. I didn’t know any of the bulls here, but I knew Jeff from early in my career when I competed in CPRA (Cowboy Professional Rodeo Association) in Texas when I was younger - and he helped me out,” said Mize.

Shoot Out Round

Mize who says his event style leans toward riding bulls jump for jump earned the right to pick first from Tuff Hedeman’s elite Shoot Out round bull list. He selected 21Z Gray Cloud from Burruss Bucking Bulls.

“I didn’t know any and Tuff went over them with me and I just picked one of the one’s he said went left, really just a guess,” he said about selecting Gray Ghost to help him win the bulk of the $30,000 prize money.

David Hudson’s 87 point ride from round one put him in at second and he selected 218 Kicks and Giggles, Palmer and Davis advanced on 86.5 and Palmer selected A17 Slingin (Whisnant and Shaw) which left the rookie Brandon Davis with 67B Bumble Bee (Whisnant and Shaw).

Hedeman’s Shoot Out is a winner take all round. In Huron, Mize watched his three opponents all buck off before the 8-second whistle. As the last rider to attempt the bulk of the $30,000 prize purse, the PRCA cowboy currently 23 in the World Standings, had this to say about his buck off and financial missed opportunity.  

“He was a really good bull, he had a little bit of push back and if I had known that I would have slid my rope back - at about the four second mark he started pulling me down real hard over his head and I never could recover from it,” said Mize.

Mize who is in a battle to make the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas enjoyed his first trip to the Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding Tour.

 “The crowd was great which helps a lot because the energy gets you pumped up,  I really like the tour and being free to go anywhere and get on a lot of good bulls, my favorite thing is to ride bulls so this is great,” said Mize.

The Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding Tour format is designed that if no rider makes the 8 seconds in the final four man Shoot Out round the prize money carries over to the next event. The prize purse at the next event will be approximately $53,250.  

THBRT Bull Team Competition

Mike Rawson took the bull team competition both nights winning a total of $46,000.

In the first night of competition his trio of buckers were the only team to earn two qualified ride scores from Javier Garcia who rode Houdini Martini for 85 and Kritter Lamb went 87 on Kojack. His third bull, Spanky, was 85.5 bull score with Dyland Madsen going 4.16 seconds to add to the equation.

Lyndal Hurst and Tom Baker were second with 275.82 points. Led by Tristan Mize’s 87 points on 43X Sheriff, Hurst and Baker used 3404 Cimarron and 231 Fire N Ice who both bucked off their opponents.

Third place was JQH (272.85) with their team leader 4015 Carnival Ride who assisted Jeff Ramagos to 87 points and a third-place check.

Fourth was Smokin Guns Rodeo Bulls with 272.85 total points and one qualified ride from Coy Pollmeier on B32 American Dream.

The highest marked rank bull score of the Wednesday night competition was 12B Hellfire (88 pts) from Whisnant and Shaw.  

Rinse and repeat, Rawson wins again with 274.31 points and his anchor was chute favorite 9100 Kojack. Second place was Jeff Harris with 273.17 points. Garrett Burruss earned 272.82 points flanking. Whisnant and Shaw were fourth with 272.03 pts.  

Average Results Red Wilk Construction Bull Bash - August 30, 2018

$30,000 Total Purse

1, Tristan Mize, Bryan, Tex., 88 points on 277 Dirty Little Secret (Harris), $1,750. 2, David Hudson, $1,500. 3, Matt Palmer, $1,500. 4, Brandon Davis, $1,500.

*$23,250 will roll over to the next THBRT prize purse.

Average Results Red Wilk Construction Break Out - August 29, 2018

1, Trey Holston, Fort Scott, KS, $3,283.20. 2, Kritter Lamb, 87, $2,371.20, 3, Jeffrey Ramagos, 87, $1,459.20. 4, Tristan Mize, 87, $1,003.20.5, Mike Lee, 86, $638.40. 6, Corey Atwell, 86, $364.80.

Huron THBRT Bull Team Results (August 29)

1, Mike Rawson, Martinsville, Tex., 276.66, $26,000. 2, Baker and Hurst, Lufkin, Tex., 275.82, $16,500. 3, JQH, Amarillo, Tex., 272.85, $8,250. 4, Smokin Guns Rodeo Bulls, 272.85, $8,250.

Huron THBRT Bull Team Results (August 30)

1, Rawson Bucking Bulls, Martinsville, Tex., 274.31, $26,000.  2, Rockin C/Harris, $19,500, 273.17. 3, Scott Burruss, $13,000, 272.82. 4, Bob Whisnant/Shaw Cattle Co, $6,500, 272.03.

Bull Riding Icon Announces Television Partnership

FORT WORTH, Texas (August 29, 201) –  Four-time World Champion and Pro Rodeo Hall of Famer, Tuff Hedeman, is pleased to announce a new strategic television broadcasting partnership with the Cowboy Channel, RFD-TV’s western sports network, and his newly created Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding Tour (THBRT).

“The Cowboy Channel is very excited to have “Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding Tour” as part of our schedule. Tuff’s name and brand will go a long way to bolster our western sports programming on The Cowboy Channel.  We feel our partnership is a natural fit,” Jeremiah Davis, VP, Programming at RMG.

The countdown is on. Beginning Monday, September 3, viewers can watch the 2018 Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding Tour events shot in Bossier, La., El Paso, Tex., Las Vegas, Nev, and the historic Fort Worth Stockyards where Hedeman produced his first bull riding in 1992. A selection of tour stops, produced by Geronimo Productions, will air three times per week for ten weeks with repeats for the following 12 months. 

The broadcast will provide fans with event coverage including multiple cameras and a dedicated broadcast team providing insightful reporting, highlights and rider interviews.   

Driving fans to the action from the broadcast booth will be 8-time World Champion bull rider Don Gay, National Finals Rodeo qualifier Cody Rostockyj with chute reporter Ali Dee and the Chute Boss, Tuff Hedeman, calling the play by play from the arena floor, produced and directed by Geronimo owner, Jeff Medders

For three decades Tuff Hedeman has been providing opportunities for bull riders and fans by producing events with two things he knows fans want to see – great rides and high scores.

World Champion JW Harris on Rafter J's Jake Brake

The new partnership marks another key step as the THBRT continues to grow and drive fans to the action with new events and additional programming wrapped around the live tour events.

The network enjoys distribution into more than 30 million homes on cable/satellite systems on DISH Network, DIRECTV®, AT&T U-Verse, Charter Spectrum, Cox, Comcast, Mediacom, and many other rural cable systems. In addition, The Cowboy Channel can be streamed via Sling TV’s Heartland Extra package.

 “Bull Riding is unpredictable and our goal is to bring that exciting bull riding action to the broadest possible audience, and partnering with a powerful brand like RMG lets us connect with our fans. We’re eager to join The Cowboy Channel and work together to showcase the great bulls and bull riding athletes of this generation,” said Hedeman.

The Cowboy Channel, like Hedeman, is dedicated to keeping alive the spirit of the American Cowboy through extensive coverage of all western sports, rodeos, bull riding and the wide variety of first-class cowboy and cowgirl competitions taking place throughout North America.

All times Eastern  - DirectTV - 603, Dish 232, Suddenlink, SlingTV Heartland Pkg, ATT&T 566, Charter Spectrum, Comcast, Cox. Check your local programming guide for additional information.

About the Cowboy Channel

The Cowboy Channel is the first 24-hour television network totally dedicated to western sports and the western lifestyle. The Cowboy Channel features content focused on rodeo, bull riding, roping, reining, barrel racing, and other western sports genres, and western fashion. The lineup also features a wide variety of “live” coverage from major western events showcasing the world’s toughest and most talented cowboys and cowgirls. For more information, please visit TheCowboyChannel.com. Facebook: @CowboyChannel | Twitter: @Cowboy_Channel | Instagram: @CowboyChannel

About Tuff Hedeman 

Hedeman formed the Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding Tour after serving for a combined 23 years as the former head of the two nationally organized professional bull riding organizations (PBR and CBR) since his retirement as a rider from the sport in 1999. Referred to as the “pioneer of the sport of bull riding” after producing the first stand-alone bull riding event in Fort Worth, Texas in 1993, Hedeman is a four-time World Champion Bull Rider, inducted into the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame and the most recognizable cowboy in the world. He resides on his ranch near Morgan Mill, Texas and has three sons, Lane, Trevor, and Ryker.

Hedeman Drafts Harris Ranch Bull for $10K Bounty

World Champion Bull Rider JW Harris attempts 487 Jake Brake, Rafter J Ranch 

Red Wilk Construction Tuff Hedeman Bull Bash presented by the SD State Fair

By Leigh Ann Schroeder

A Jake Brake is an invaluable, extra tool primarily used for slowing down a big rig or heavy equipment in certain situations. 

With over 60 bucking bulls arriving in Huron today, four-time World Champion and Pro Rodeo Hall of Famer Tuff Hedeman asked that one be separated from the herd when he unloads off the Harris Ranch livestock trailer at the South Dakota State Fairgrounds.

The Bounty Bull is the highlight of the first performance of the annual Red Wilk Construction Tuff Hedeman Bull Bash. The bull rider with the highest score on night one earns the opportunity to attempt the hand-picked bull and if he makes the 8 Second whistle he will stand in front of the grandstands and accept a $10,000 check from bull riding icon Tuff Hedeman.

On his hip for identification is firebrand number 487 and in his ear a tag with his name, Jake Brake. Up for grabs, $10,000 to the bull rider who can make the 8-second whistle while still on his back Wednesday night as the first performance of the Red Wilk Construction Tuff Hedeman Bull Bash gets underway at 8 pm at the South Dakota State Fair.

“This bull is a businessman that knows his job,” said Jeff Harris, owner, chauffer, and trainer of the four-legged athlete.

In the similar style of the patented truck component, the four-year-old bull, owned by partners Jeff Harris and Lowell Clay, is gaining a reputation for slowing down cowboys.  On his list of fallen opponents - Ricky Aguiar, Koby Radley, and World Champion JW Harris.  

According to Harris, a Texas bull-man who has earned several industry titles including World Champion Bull Team Owner and Stock Contractor of the year, early arrival is key to giving the bucking bull athletes time to rest and recover from the 17 hour trip from Palestine.

Sounds easy right, how hard can it be to hold on for 8 seconds?                                                             

According to the professional bull riders that have tried him, the unridden bull is known for not just leaving, but exploding out of the bucking chutes with two big moves – he then goes airborne as he “turns back”. “That happens so fast there is no hesitation by the animal from one or two leaps to the bucking motion.

Many bull riders have left the arena scratching their heads trying to figure out how to stay on him for the required 8 seconds, and a few would love a second try.

Former International Finals Youth Rodeo World Champion, Koby Radley, drew him last year in Cheyenne and had this to say about the experience.

Koby Radley and Tuff Hedeman

“Well I didn’t have a very good shot at him because he broke my nose in the chutes, but what I remember was he was very fast and had forward movement to him. I think if someone can make it around the corner they could ride him - but getting to the corner will be the hardest part,” said Radley a top 20 ranked PRCA bull rider.

“He was strong and a little long out there before he turned back, but all in he is the perfect bucking bull...big and strong, bucks hard and nothing trashy to him,” said another rider.

It is no doubt 487 Jake Brake bucks, he hails from the bloodline of PRCA Bucking Bull of the National Finals Rodeo, #55 Gunslinger and sports the Ace of Spades Ranch brand. Harris purchased the bull as a two-year-old when the previous owners thought he was not going to succeed on the competitive two-year-old futurity circuits which use a dummy on their back as they grow into the rider stage. Harris gambled on him with the intention to develop him into a rider bull as he matured, but when Harris bucked him for the first time he saw his potential and decided with patience and time he would make a great bucking bull. A green pasture and all the feed Jeff could buy was indeed the secret to his success.

“He’s very timid behind the scenes, but explosive out of the chutes, he bucks hard every time, but is easier to handle now and hauls well, he has adjusted to the lights and music of the show very well for a young bull,” said Harris.

You can see Jake Brake at the Red Wilk Construction Tuff Hedeman Bull Bash on August 29-30. Immediately following the bull riding, fans will get a chance to meet and get autographs from Tuff Hedeman and the bull riders. Tickets for the two-day event are on sale now and start at $12 for youth and $20 for adults. Tickets available in either grandstand reserved seating area or the standing room area located in the party pit.  They can be purchased at the SD State Fair Office, or by calling (605) 353-7340, or online at https://www.etix.com/ticket/v/12046/south-dakota-state-fair.

Log on to http://www.tuffhedemanbullriding.com for more information or follow us on social media: Facebook – Tuff Hedeman, Instagram @TuffHedemanOfficial.

World Champions Primed to take on the Next Generation

The 15th Annual Red Wilk Construction Tuff Hedeman Bull Bash

HURON, South Dakota - Two World Champions, one old and the other newly crowned, will be competing for the first time in Huron as the Red Wilk Construction Tuff Hedeman Bull Bash rolls into town on August 29-30 for the fifteenth consecutive year as the opening act of the Grandstands entertainment at the South Dakota State Fair.

In front of the Fairgoers, inside the locked and loaded bucking chutes will be many riders looking to make a leap this season, and if and when they do, the Red Wilk Construction Bull Bash will be the “legend in the making” place where they launch their career.

It takes guts – not to mention enormous talent and stainless-steel self-confidence, for someone who is just a kid, to ride against the warriors and the rulers of the sport - especially with Tuff Hedeman peering into the chutes as you get ready to nod your head.

 “This roster of bull riders will be the best one that the SD state fair has seen, we have many great riders returning and many new up and coming riders that I promise will all put on a great show. This is a show you are not going to want to miss - we are honored the Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding Tour is coming to South Dakota," said Red Wilk. 

THE CONTENDERS

Tuff’s invitational line-up includes 44 bull riders from two countries, 13 states, and consists of seven competitors including Ardie and Corey Maier (2017 winner of the Bull Bash) of Timber Lake, who call South Dakota home.  With their grandfather, Bud Day, enshrined in the South Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame, the Maier's hail from a family rich in rodeo tradition – their cousins are World Champion bareback riders, Mark and Marvin Garrett. Ardie and Rorey, the third bull riding brother, are both National Finals Rodeo qualifiers.

PBR World Champion Mike Lee of Alvord, Texas, the only rider to ever win the PBR World Championship, and Finals event average title in the same year, and Indian World Champion, Cody Jesus, of Sawmill, Arizona lead the roster as the most decorated pro athletes.  But, in the remaining 42 slots are National Finals Rodeo qualifiers, International bull riding champions, and the Cinderella’s of bull riding.

Referred to in the industry as the Young Guns, the next generation, and the future of the sport of rodeo and bull riding, many coming to Huron are waiting for the opportunity to strut their stuff in front of 4-time World Champion and Pro Rodeo Hall of Famer, Tuff Hedeman. The goal - gaining a permanent seat on his nationwide televised bull riding tour.

“Every year I look forward to this event in Huron and the time of year - the summer’s full of national youth bull riding competitions and turning professional is the next step for these incredibly young, healthy, enthusiastic riders – the next generation of World Champions will be in Huron and the guys are chomping at the bit like thoroughbreds in the gate at the Kentucky Derby - to start their careers,” laughed Hedeman.

WATCH ME!

Dedicated local fans will remember the two Trey's on the roster, Holston, and Kimzey who return to Huron where both made names for themselves early in their careers placing second and third respectively in the 2017 Huron competition. Holston, the former Jr. High and National High School Bull Riding Champion and Kimzey, the younger brother of former Huron Champion and 4-time World Champion bull rider Sage Kimzey, are also on this year’s day sheet as skilled professionals.

Trey Kimzey Returns to Huron as a seasoned bull rider

Fourth generation pro-rodeo cowboy Brett Custer will return to the arena after an injury in July. Custer is the son of 1992 PRCA champion bull rider Cody Custer who was one a co-founder of the PBR with Tuff Hedeman.

Fourth Generation pro rodeo cowboy Brett Custer 

At the moment, the three who have been honing their skills in August at the Tuff Hedeman Midwest Swing Breakout Series are Oklahoma cowboy and 2-time Midwest Swing event winner and series leader, Matt Palmer. Hunter Ball, Brandon Davis and Caleb McCaslin who are atop the Midwest Swing leaderboard.

Hunter Ball

18-year-old National High School Rodeo Champion Cole Skender, Hamburg, Arkansas, and International Finals Rodeo Champion Mason Taylor, Maypearl, Texas, return to the tour after a successful summer where they both won their coveted career bull riding titles. Former Youth Bull Riding National Champion Cannon Cravens, Porum, Oklahoma, and Coy Pollmeier Fort Scott, Kansas, who finished in the top 5 two consecutive years at the NHSFR are also schedule to debut in Huron.

IN THEIR HONOR

In addition to the Tuff Hedeman produced bull riding action, Red Wilks will continue his American Hero Ceremony, honoring 24 veterans with individual presentations including a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C. and a commemorative coin

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The bull riding action begins with performance one at 8:00 p.m. CST on Wednesday, August 29, and Performance 2 on Thursday, August 30. 40 bull riders will get on one bull each in Wednesday night's Breakout Series event followed by the highest scored rider in the round getting on the Tuff Hedeman selected Bounty Bull for an extra $5,000. Performance 2 on Thursday is the three-round tournament style event, the riders' score advances them thru three rounds hopefully earning a coveted slot in the final four-man "Shoot Out round" where the bulk of the $37,500 prize purse, championship title and custom prizes are earned.

Immediately following the bull riding, fans will get a chance to meet and get autographs from Tuff Hedeman and the bull riders. Tuff Hedeman and the bull rider’s appearance schedule will be released at a later date

Tickets for the two-day event are on sale now and start at $12 for youth and $20 for adults. Tickets available in either grandstand reserved seating area or the standing room area located in the party pit.  They can be purchased at the SD State Fair Office, or by calling (605) 353-7340, or online at https://www.etix.com/ticket/v/12046/south-dakota-state-fair.

Log on to http://www.tuffhedemanbullriding.com for more information or follow us on social media: Facebook – Tuff Hedeman, Instagram @TuffHedemanOfficial. For media credentials and additional information contact Leigh Ann Schroeder, 940.902.1112, or tuffhedemanpr@gmail.com.

About Tuff Hedeman

Hedeman formed the Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding Tour after serving for a combined 23 years as the former head of the two nationally organized professional bull riding organizations (PBR and CBR) since his retirement as a rider from the sport in 1999. Referred to as the “pioneer of the sport of bull riding” after producing the first stand-alone bull riding event in Fort Worth, Texas in 1993, Hedeman is a four-time World Champion Bull Rider, inducted into the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame and the most recognizable cowboy in the world. He resides on his ranch near Morgan Mill, Texas and has three sons, Lane, Trevor, and Ryker.

Palmer Piles on Second Win to lead the Wicked Rank Midwest Series Tour

Two-time Midwest Swing Event Champion - Matt Palmer

    Whiteside County Fair Bull Bash

MORRISON, Illinois -  (August  15, 2018)  – Going 2-for-2 for the second time in five days, Matt Palmer stood in front of the chute gate to accept the check, trophy buckle, and championship title of the Tuff Hedeman Breakout Series Midwest Swing Bull Riding event after posting 176.5 total points. The Whiteside County Fair Bull Bash in Morrison, Illinois was the third stop of the series known as the Wicked Rank Tour produced by Matt Noble of Next Level Bull Riding and sponsored by Wicked Rank Apparel.

   “I would like to thank Matt Noble for the great events he has put on up here, I have been fortunate to draw really good bulls and riding in front of a sold-out crowd again this week just gave me the confidence I needed," said Palmer after the win.

Palmer, a nineteen-year-old bull rider from Chelsea, Oklahoma, leads the series standings after three events, but his lead is only by one bull score. Palmer, who missed the first stop of the tour sits atop the leaderboard with 356 total points. Just one bull score behind Palmer is 28-year-old Brandon Davis of Cabot, Arkansas with 266.5 points and in third place is young gun Hunter Ball who is just 5.5 points behind Davis with 260.5. Davis is the only rider competing that has covered at least one bull at all three events.

In third place, Hunter Ball who was last week’s young gun and the featured Hedeman “breakout” cowboy athlete, recently signed with Fort Scott Community College. Ball will represent the Kansas college rodeo team in the bull riding category at the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association competitions beginning this fall.

Round one saw a confident Matt Palmer on a bull he drew last week, 55 Frank the Crank, for 88 points and Caleb Ruyle and David Markham split third and fourth with a pair of 85.5 scores on 40 Smoke This and 003 Bull Dust, both from CC bucking Bulls.  Bubba Greig, Estherville, Iowa, came in second with 87 points on 629 Slinger.

“I was excited to have the first bull, 55, because I had him in Belvidere last week so there were no nerves – just a good bull and that gave me confidence,” said Palmer.

Round two saw Cabot, Arkansas cowboy Brandon Davis in first place with 89 points on 416 Wolf Gun(CC Bucking  Bulls). Palmer landed second just .5 points behind Greig with an 88.5 on 99 Nine-O (CC Bucking Bulls). Greig was third with 84 points on 010 Google This (CC Bucking Bulls). 

Brandon Davis heads to the Wicked Tour Finals in second place as the Breakout Series Midwest Swing prepares for its final event in Waterloo on September 15.

“I saw my second bull last week in Belvidere when Hunter Ball had him and scored 90 on him, but when he had him he went right out of the chutes - with me he went left which got me off a little and I had to adjust to get him ridden,” laughed Palmer who admitted the rough start reminded him to ride them all jump for jump instead of “setting a trap”, a bull rider term that refers to thinking too much about what they are supposed to do. 

“The bulls are so unpredictable and you have to be open to riding them individually,” continued Palmer.  

Bounty Bull Kicks and Giggles was the other winner of the night as he got past Palmer and Grieg who attempted him after Palmer who qualified to attempt the Bounty Bull opted out. Grieg finished second with 171 points.

The Tuff Hedeman sanctioned tour is headed for Waterloo where the annual Blue Army Bull Bash is the final opportunity to earn points for the Wicked Rank Tour championship title. In addition to the lucrative prize money, the field of riders has been earning points that qualify them for the Finals to be held on September 15, at the Monroe County Fairgrounds. The bull rider with the most points will be crowned the Series Champion and receive a check, Custom trophy saddle, and engraved buckle.  

 “I have been impressed with Hunter who was second last week in Belvidere’s Bull Bash, he’s an up and coming bull rider with a lot of talent and he’s making big bull rides and the fans will get to see him again in action as he battles Palmer and Davis for the series win in Waterloo,” continued Noble.

The Tuff Hedeman Breakout Bull Riding Series features round by round bull riding, feature acts, entertainment from the barrel, the cowboy lifesaver bullfighters Josh Jacobs and Caleb Osternryk, and play by play and color commentary from the announcer’s stand.

Tickets are on sale for The Wicked Rank Tour finale in Waterloo are available on http://www.waterlooiloptimist.org/bullride.                                                                        CONTACT: Matt Noble, a or call 815-651-6661.

Whiteside Bull Bash Results

1, Matt Palmer, Chelsea, Okla., 176.5, $1964.16. 2, Bubba Greig, 171 pts,  $1277.76. 3, Brandon Davis, 89 pts, $1129.92. 4, Caleb Ruyle, $411.84.

Whiteside County Fair to Host Tuff Hedeman Break Out Bull Bash

Morrison, Illinois -  (August  13, 2018)  – 4-time World Champion bull rider and Pro Rodeo Hall of Famer, Tuff Hedeman, brings the third stop of the Tuff Hedeman Break Out Series Midwest Swing to the Whiteside County Fair on Tuesday, August 14 at 7 pm.  Grandstand tickets are included in the gate admission price to the fair. The annual event is produced by Matt Noble of Next Level Bull Riding and sanctioned by Tuff Hedeman Breakout Bull Riding Series, and held at the Whiteside Fair Arena in Morrison.  

“The third stop on our Wicked Rank tour is now a Tuff Hedeman Breakout Series event and for 13 years we have been bringing this family-friendly bull riding tradition to the fairgoers and we enjoy supporting the community in this way and bringing a great line up of riders, said Matt Noble.              

According to Noble, the “breakout” cowboy athlete to watch is Hunter Ball from Deckerville, Michigan who went two for two including a 90 point ride last week in Belvidere and he also split second and third in Woodstock, the first stop on the Wicked Rank Midwest Tour.  Caleb McCaslin is on the possible “next big thing” radar as well. McCaslin who travels with Boone County Champion Matt Palmer is from Jones, Okla. The seasoned athletes to watch are Trey Holston, a past National Jr. and High School Rodeo World Champion and Matt Palmer who has earned over $25,000 riding bulls in the past three weeks including a second place finish in Cheyenne.

“I have been impressed with Hunter who was second last week in Belvidere’s Bull Bash, he’s an up and coming bull rider with a lot of talent and he’s making big bull rides and the fans will get to see him again in action in Morrison” continued Noble.

The Whiteside County Fair is produced by said The Whiteside County Central Agricultural Society which was formed May 28, 1872, in Morrison, Illinois. Its purpose is to promote all the industrial pursuits of the county, especially the agricultural, horticultural, floricultural, and mechanical interests and also the fine arts and domestic manufactures.

     Whiteside Bull Bash will be the third stop and the Tuff Hedeman Wicked Rank tour is at the halfway mark with the finale scheduled for September 15 in Waterloo with $10,000 added money and a custom engraved saddle.

This year’s event festivities will begin at 6:00 pm when the doors open.  The pro bull riding action gets underway at 7:00 pm and expected to conclude at 9 pm. Bull riders will face a field of approximately selected competitors for the lion’s share of the 7,500 added prize money and a custom engraved trophy buckle.

The Tuff Hedeman Breakout Bull Riding Tour pits the industry’s elite riders against the best bulls in a two-round format featuring entertainment from the barrel, the cowboy lifesaver bullfighters Josh Jacobs and Caleb Osternryk, and the voice of the Tuff Hedeman Breakout Bull Riding, Matt Palmer, who will provide play by play and color commentary from the announcer’s stand.

There are no guarantees in bull riding; the only way for cowboys to earn a paycheck is to ride better than the rest of the field in a two-round format with a bounty bull and $1,000 the prize for staying on the required 8 Seconds.

 In addition to lucrative prize money, bull riders accumulate points which qualify them for the Wicked Rank Tour Midwest Swing Finals to be held on September 15. At the end of the Midwest Swing, the bull rider who has the most points will be crowned the Series Champion and receive a check, Custom trophy saddle, and buckle.

TICKET INFORMATION - Free Grandstands with fair gate admission

EVENT LOCATION: Whiteside County Fair, 201 West Winfield Street, Morrison, IL 61270

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.

Palmer Prevails to win Second Stop on Wicked Rank Tour

Tuff Hedeman Break Out Series Bull Bash at the Boone County Fair

  BELVIDERE, Illinois - (August 12, 2018) – The adrenaline and the big bucks keep coming for 19 year old Matt Palmer from Chelsea, Okla., who used his recent success as adrenaline and knocked out a perfect 2 for 2 including the highest ride-score of the night, to take home the title win on the second stop of the Tuff Hedeman Breakout Series Midwest Swing held at the Boone County Fairgrounds.

Matt Plamer on Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding Tour 

 "I got on two good solid bulls, the first away from my hand and the second into my hand," said Palmer who re-injured his wrist which prohibited him from attempting the Bounty Bull that earns the rider an additional $1,000 check if you make the 8-second whistle. 

 The Boone County Bull Bash, a 15-year bull riding tradition at the fair was produced for Hedeman by Next Level Bull Riding and featured two rounds of bull riders matched up with 40 bulls that entertained the fans with eight 90 points plus rides.  

“The fans this year were treated to a great night of great bull rides and big scores which is what they come to see,” said Matt Noble.  

Matt Noble, Next Level Bull Riding and producer of Wicked Rank Tuff Hedeman Breakout Series Midwest Swing

Bull riders faced a field of competitors for the lion’s share of the 7,500 added prize money, but it was Palmer with the winning check at the end of the night riding two bulls he had never seen, 55 Frank the Crank and 307 Justice.

Two bulls from Shop Creek Cattle Company turned in the first and second place honors in round one. Trey Holston, a past National High School, and Jr. High School Rodeo bull riding champion, finished first in the opening round posting a 90.5 ride on 11 Joker. Palmer’s traveling partner, Caleb McCaslin, was second with an 89.5 on 1468 Crow Shade. Third place was veteran rider Corey Atwell with an 89 on 629 Slinger followed by Matt Palmer and Luke Bradley, each with 87.5 points on 55 Frank the Crank and 171 Red Bone both from CC Bucking Bulls).

Trey Holston, Fort Scott, Kansas wins round 1 on 11 Joker from Shop Creek Cattle

“I had never seen that bull and he was away from my hand, I like to know a little about them so I asked the contractor and he said he would go left out of the chute and he did,” said Palmer who plans to continue the Wicked Rank Tour Series next week in Morrison.

Palmer, a professional bull rider from Chelsea, Okla., has been riding professionally since he turned 18. He has earned over $25,000, including a second place win on night one in Cheyenne, in the past 30 days and his consistency thrilled the crowd when he took 307 Justice (Shop Creek) on a 92 point spin to win round two and the average.

“He was definitely a stronger and better bull than my first round bull and went right – into my hand which was better for me - after I fell and bent my wrist back in round one,” continued Palmer.

Hunter Ball, a Michigan cowboy, finished second in the average with 177 points and with Palmer’s injury he was offered the Bounty Bull attempt. 742 Check it Out from CC Bucking Bulls was the winner in that battle.

The Tuff Hedeman Breakout Bull Riding Tour pits professional bulls riders against some of the best bulls in a two-round format featuring entertainment from the barrel, the cowboy lifesaver bullfighters Josh Jacobs and Caleb Osternryk, and the voice of the Tuff Hedeman Breakout Bull Riding, a second cowboy named Matt Palmer, who provided play by play and color commentary from the announcer’s stand.

There are no guarantees in bull riding; the only way for cowboys to earn a paycheck is to ride better than the rest of the field.  The field of competition advances thru rounds with highest average score declared the event champion.  The champion gets on the bounty bull for an additional $1,000 attempt.

During the four stop Midwest Swing, in addition to lucrative prize money, bull riders accumulate points which qualify them for the Midwest Swing Finals to be held on September 15 in Waterloo. At the end of the Midwest Swing, the bull rider who has the most points will be crowned the Series Champion and receive a check, custom trophy saddle, and the engraved trophy buckle.

Tuff Hedeman and bull rider interviews or information contact Leigh Ann Schroeder, tuffhedemanpr@gmail.com or 940.902.1112. Midwest Swing information contact Matt Noble at Matt@nextlevelbullriding.com. 

Red Wilk Unveils Inaugural Trophy Belt for Annual Bull Bash at South Dakota State Fair

Tickets on Sale for the Red Wilk Construction Tuff Hedeman Bull Bash

HURON, South Dakota - Partnering with Red Wilk Construction the Tuff Hedeman led marquee Bull Riding tour is preparing to invade the South Dakota State Fair for two nights and five rounds of family-friendly, action-packed adrenaline rush entertainment wrapped around a traditional western show on August 29-30 at 8 pm. Red Wilk Construction is proud to introduce to the Tuff Hedeman Bull Bash a one of a kind inaugural custom crafted trophy belt.

The annual professional, fast-paced, high-speed competition bull riding features over 30 riders and three bullfighters all matched to animals of superior strength and spirit rivaling that of the cowboys. Hedeman, known for lining up elite riders to face off with world-class bucking bulls brings the new "invitation only" format to the fair's Grandstands for the first time.

THBRT Fort Worth Champion and PBR World Champion Mike Lee 

The pre-Labor Day weekend celebration includes the much anticipated American Hero Award Ceremony held each night during the intermission honoring 24 deserving United States veterans of war.

Wilk, a Vietnam Veteran himself, has honored 100 plus South Dakota Veterans since beginning this much-anticipated ceremony in 2013. 

“The sacrifice these men make for our country is how we are able to do what we do today, right here in this very arena, and it is our honor to stand down and be part of this great rite of passage and remember why we can celebrate the freedoms we enjoy,” said Hedeman.

Tuff Hedeman Welcomes 4-time NFR Qualifier Trey Benton III 

In the arena the only way to get on the roster at Huron’s elite event is by invitation from four-time World Champion and Pro Rodeo Hall of Famer Tuff Hedeman who produces his invitation-only event format which yields the best roster of elite bull riders facing off with world-class bucking bulls in five rounds of intense, high energy battle.  

Produced by Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding Tour this year, The Red Wilk Construction Bull Bash has been thrilling audiences in Huron for 15 years including wins by bull riding greats 4 time PRCA World Champion Sage Kimzey (2015), IFYR World Champ Koby Radley, (2017), Corey Maier (2014) of Timberlake, NFR qualifiers Aaron Pass (2013) and Ardie Maier (2012) to name a few. Many riders have gotten their breakout start at this event including the current number three ranked PRCA bull rider in the world, Boudreaux Campbell who placed third here in 2016.

4-time PRCA World Champion and Bossier THBRT Champion, Sage Steele Kimzey

Thus far in 2018, fans have watched the cowboy athletes battle in 7 different cities with the Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding Tour payouts exceeding $200,000 thus far. The tour rolls into Huron for stop number 8 on the season led by THBRT Fort Worth Champion and PBR World Champion Mike Lee - the complete roster of contestants to be released at a later date.

With its thrilling 8-second attempts and two hours of impressive athletics, the newly created THBRT is trending, setting local attendance records and drawing packed grandstands nationwide and soon to be available for millions of viewer audiences on cable television.

The bull riding action begins with performance 1 at 8:00 p.m. CST on Wednesday, August 29, and Performance 2 on Thursday, August 30. 40 bull riders will get on one bull each in Wednesday night’s Breakout Series event followed by the highest scored rider in the round getting on the Tuff Hedeman selected Bounty Bull for an extra $5,000. Performance 2 on Thursday is the three-round tournament style event, the riders’ individual score advances them thru three rounds hopefully earning a coveted slot in the final four-man "Shoot Out Round" where the bulk of the prize money, championship title, and custom prizes are earned.

Tuff Hedeman and the bull rider’s appearance schedule and roster to be announced at a later date.  Immediately following the bull riding, fans will get a chance to meet and get autographs from Tuff Hedeman and the bull riders.

Tickets for the two-day event are on sale now and start at $12 for youth and $20 for adults. Tickets are sold in either grandstand reserved seating area or in the standing room area located in the party pit.  They can be purchased at the SD State Fair Office, or by calling (605) 353-7340, or online at https://www.etix.com/ticket/v/12046/south-dakota-state-fair.

About Tuff Hedeman

Hedeman formed the Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding Tour after serving for a combined 23 years as the former head of the two nationally organized professional bull riding organizations (PBR and CBR) since his retirement as a rider from the sport in 1999. Referred to as the “pioneer of the sport of bull riding” after producing the first stand-alone bull riding event in Fort Worth, Texas in 1993, Hedeman is a four-time World Champion Bull Rider, inducted into the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame and the most recognizable cowboy in the world. He resides on his ranch near Morgan Mill, Texas and has three sons, Lane, Trevor, and Ryker.

Tickets on Sale for the Nicky Wheeler Memorial Bull Riding

Nicky Wheeler

Tuff Hedeman Breakout Series Raises Money for Cherokee County 4-H and FFA

JACKSONVILLE, Texas (August 8, 2018) – Four-time World Champion and Pro Rodeo Hall of Famer Tuff  Hedeman announced today that tickets are on sale to The Nicky Wheeler Memorial Bull Bash, a Tuff Hedeman Breakout Series Bull Riding.  

The Nicky Wheeler Memorial will pay tribute to an industry great, former bull rider and stock contractor who died suddenly in April. Formerly known as the Bull Bash Revolution, the name was changed this year to honor a great man. Nicky devoted his life to helping kids in FFA and 4H chapters statewide. The Wheeler family owns Fresh Country Fund Raising, a statewide fundraising company supporting 4H and FFA chapters nationwide.

Nicky Wheeler is remembered as a “great guy”, dedicated father and husband, a superior bull riding judge, a bucking bull man, rodeo producer, and talented fundraiser, but first and foremost a bull riding champion.

 “Nicky was a great bull rider regardless of what era it is - there are very few people that go to the NFR and ride 9 out of ten,” said Wheeler’s friend and colleague Tuff Hedeman.

Bull Rider Dakota Nye on Flab Slab, Dennis Davis Bucking Bulls 

“Nicky treated everyone like they wanted to be treated and that is why we decided to change the name to honor him and his legacy,” said Jeff Harris.

“I didn’t know him until after I won my first world title, we had some bull riding schools in his arena and I got to know him there. He is a super guy, super Dad, and anytime I could get him to judge I would - he judged in Fort Worth, Lufkin, and Bossier, but his kids were always first on his schedule and priority list and to be part of an event that honors his legacy while helping kids is a great way to honor our friend,”  continued Hedeman.

The two round annual event will be held on October 6 at the Jacksonville Rodeo Arena where the bull riders will compete for prize money and a custom engraved Hy O Silver Trophy Buckle.

Producers of annual Bull Bash -  Haley and Brian Beasley, 2017 Champion Austin Patterson, Jeff Harris and daughter Lacee Harris.

This annual event powered by the fans and the local community is the largest benefactor event for local FFA and 4-H college scholarships. Providing self-sufficiency and local jobs for future generations in the agricultural community is the goal of these scholarships and agricultural based programs.

This year’s event will once again be produced by a host of dedicated volunteers including previous Stock Contractor of the Year and World Champion bull team owner Jeff Harris and family of Palestine and Haley and Brian Beasley of Jacksonville.

The newly created tour gives new riders the opportunity to break into the ranks of professional bull riding and advance to the national level tours.

“What I really like about the Breakout series is we see relatively unknown young bull riders that show up and make outstanding bull rides and contend with the hottest guys on tour and hang with them,” said Hedeman.

Classic rodeo barrel man style entertainment, cowboy lifesaver bullfighters, and the voice of the Tuff Hedeman tour, Chris Rankin, will join Hedeman in front of the chutes as he surveys the new class of young guns as they battle the experienced contenders.

“It is our privilege to honor Nicky Wheeler in this way and it is great chance to come out and see Tuff Hedeman and the high-quality competitors and bucking bull athletes. We will have several of the top familiar names on the roster, but many fresh faces packed with talent, at a family-friendly environment, “ said co-producer Haley Beasley.

For More information and tickets visit Nicky Wheeler Memorial Bull Riding or by calling Haley Beasley, 903-747-7199.  

DATE:    October 6, 2018 at 7pm

LOCATION: Jacksonville Rodeo Arena, 915 Peeples Street, Jacksonville, TX 75766

WEBSITES: tuffhedemanbullriding.com

SOCIAL MEDIA:  Nicky Wheler Memorial Bull Riding (Facebook); @TuffHedeman (IG); @TuffHedemanofficial

TICKETS AVAILABLE: Raven Jute Company, 107 E Commerce Street, Jacksonville, TX 75766; or https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-nicky-wheeler-memorial-bull-bash-tickets-48716785216.

For more information on Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding Tour log on to www.tuffhedemanbullriding.com or contact Leigh Ann Schroeder thedemanpr@gmail.com.

The Boys of Summer

Skender, Taylor, and Leather win bull riding’s top Youth World Championship titles

by LeighAnn Schroeder

The sport of bull riding is full of impressive young athletes and as soon as the last school bell rings they hit the road qualifying and competing in three of the industry’s largest national youth finals events for rodeo competitors.  These three organizations are the gatekeepers of the sport and in their hands is developing the future field of cowboy athletes.

"First let me say congratulations to all the youth winners, winning at the highest level is never easy and something to be very proud of. It gives you confidence which I believe always helps you be competitive...Being able to ride and win when it means something is the first step to climbing the ladder in a sport which has no guarantees," 4-time World Champion and Pro Rodeo Hall of Famer, Tuff Hedeman.  

The boys of summer have faced talented opponents on both sides of the chutes and we pause to salute these young athletes and recognize their outstanding seasons and what they have accomplished…buckles and titles engraved with two sacred words…World Champion.

National high School Finals Bull Riding Champion

The newly crowned National High School Champion Bull Rider is Cole Skender of Crossett, Arkansas.

The 18-year-old completed two qualified rides to earn 157 points to win his first national title. Skender also left Wyoming knowing his 86 point ride in round two was the highest scored ride of the event. In the championship round, Skender earned 71 points and was one of two bull riders to hear the whistle out of the 22 finalists.

Skender is a familiar name on the Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding tour where he debuted as a professional in February in El Paso making a 90 point ride to place second in the first round and finish in the top 10 at his first top-level event. 

“Riding on Tuff’s tour has really helped me, I know what I have to do and can stay focused better after being on such a big stage already, I can just zone in better now and know that you ride them all the same, one at a time – it’s just the same everywhere – crowds only thing different,” said Skender.

The entire 2018 National High School Finals Rodeo Bull Riding Results can be found at https://www.nhsra.com/.

2018 International Finals Youth Rodeo Bull Riding World Champion

Boasting 1,411 entries, the world’s richest youth rodeo, IFYR, held in Shawnee, Oklahoma, awarded more than $250,000 in prize money, championship saddles, and buckles[G2] . After two long rounds and 10 performances, the bull rider that emerged as the 2018 Champion was Mason Taylor of Maypearl, Texas.

Before he was crowned the 2018 IFYR Champ, Taylor honed his skills in May at the Tuff Hedeman Breakout Series Baytown bull riding.

In Shawnee, Mason edged out five additional bull riders in the final round to win the average. Taylor followed his 81.5 first ride with an 81.5 in the championship round for a 163.0 average that placed his total earnings at $2558.80 over the six-day rodeo.

 “We rode six out of the 15 in the finals and behind the bucking chutes, I was so nervous I couldn’t hardly spit,” Taylor said. “My heart was pumping. When the gate opened, my nerves went away, and I did my business like I was supposed to,” said Taylor to the Waxahachie Daily Light newspaper.

Recalling his championship ride, Taylor said the bull bucked early and jerked him to his fingertips. Taylor said he has learned the finer points of bull riding from his father, Chris, who rode bulls for 20 years. He recalled his father putting him on a sheep at the ripe age of two and Taylor has “been riding ever since.”

The International Finals Youth Rodeo, held annually since 1993, is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization that presents top high school athletes with a professional rodeo. The internationally-recognized IFYR is held annually at the Heart of Oklahoma Exposition Center in Shawnee, Oklahoma.  Full Results available on www.ifyr.com.

YOUTH BULL RIDING WORLD FINALS

Thirty bull riding only associations feed contestants to the YBR which holds their world final competition annually in Abilene, Texas.  2018 was the historic 11th year of the world's largest youth bull riding finals with over 400 riders, their friends and family in attendance over the four-day event held in Abilene, Texas. 

The new 2018 WorldYBR  Champion is Macaulie Leather from Calliope, Australia

Since its inception in 2008, the YBR World Finals was founded on the belief that every child’s dream can come true if only given something to believe in.  

This year’s dream catcher was Macaulie Leather who traveled from Queensland, Australia to earn the title with 319 points and the average check for $1,654.00.

Leather, one of 12 children in what is described as a “rodeo mad” family, is from Calliope and is well known in his native Australia.

Photo credit: The "rodeo mad" Leather family of Australia

The captain of the YBR is Mike Vergari, chairman, and founder who has 20 plus years’ experience in high school rodeo and youth bull riding events.   

Youth Bull Riders World Finals (YBRWF) has been structured under the Texas Youth Bull Riders, Inc., a non-profit 501 c3 organization based in Fort Worth, Texas. www.ybr-now.com.

I

Figueredo rides two to win first stop of Breakout Bull Riding Series Midwest Tour

McHenry County Fair Bull Bash  

WOODSTOCK, IL – August 3, 2018  – As the only rider in a 32 man field to turn in a 2 for 2 performance in the two header Thursday night in Woodstock, Cristiano Figueredo won his first Tuff Hedeman Breakout Bull Riding and took home the prize money, buckle and championship title of the Tuff Hedeman McHenry County Fair Bull Bash.

Against a field of 32 riders from three countries and 11 states, the 29-year-old began the night winning round 1 with an 89.5 trip on 40 Smoke This (CC Bucking Bulls). Later he would thrill the fairgoers as the only cowboy athlete to ride two as he conquered 04 Cruel Intentions (cc Bucking Bulls) for 90 points.Figuerado earned $3,851.12 in addition to valuable points for the Wicked Rank Tuff Hedeman Midwest Swing which comes with an additional paycheck, custom trophy saddle, and buckle on September 15 at the finale of the swing. As the winner of the event, Figueredo earned the opportunity for an additional paycheck if he could ride the bounty bull Kicks and Giggles (Noble and Check), but he bucked off before the 8-second whistle.  

 “I drew two really good bulls that both turned back into my hand and had no problems, the crowd was good too,” said the Hugo, Oklahoma resident. Mentored by former pro bull rider Allan Moraes, Figuerado, stays in shape by getting on practice bulls near Gainesville, Texas. He has ridden professionally for nine years and learned to ride bulls at the hand of his brother, Juliano.  

 “It was a great experience to see such dedicated fans pack the house on a night in the middle of the week, the Breakout Series is a great way to give the dedicated bull riding fans of the Midwest a chance to see a great production and a good group of talented young bull riders,” said Tuff Hedeman who made his first trip to Woodstock to assist the production sanctioned by Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding.

The four event series produced by Matt Noble’s Next Level Bull Riding kicked off in at the McHenry County Fair and continues on next week with stops in Belvidere, Morrison, ending with a series finale in September in Waterloo.

Tickets and information for the Midwest Swing are available on www.tuffhedemanbullriding.com.   

 “Since 1949 the weeklong McHenry County Fair Association has been entertaining the community during the first six days at the beginning of August and the addition of the pro level bull riding is exciting, “ said Frank Kerns of the Fair Board.

Hedeman’s events have become known for their action-packed performances with great bulls matched to super star riders and upbeat music

  In addition to lucrative prize money, bull riders accumulate points which qualify them for the Midwest Swing Finals to be held on September 15. At the end of the Midwest Swing the bull rider who has the most points will be crowned the Series Champion and receive a check, Custom trophy saddle and buckle.

McHenry Bull Bash Results

1, Cristano Figueredo, 179.5, $3,851.12. 2, Brandon Davis, 87.5, $1521.52. 3, (tie) Hunter Ball, Albert Labaron, 83.5, $953.68.

Media inquiries and interview requests available by calling or email – Leigh Ann Schroeder, tuffhedemanpr@gmail.com – 940.902.1112. Bull Rider entries and inquires matt@nextlevelbullriding.com.