Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa, was the latest tour stop for the Super Bull Series on Friday, January 29, 2010 at 7:30 PM.
I arrived early to meet with George Marshall, producer of the series who informed me Super Bull Entertainment started in 1988 making it currentlly the oldest stand alone bull riding tour. I also learned that Super Bull Entertainment is a part of FEILD Entertainment, one of America's top entertainment groups that includes Ringling Brothers Circus, Disney On Ice FIELD Motorsports and Disney Live.
As I watched the production team put the final touches on the evenings production I enjoyed time to visit with several of the bullriders scheduled to ride. This event was sanctioned by Southern Extreme Bull Riding Association (SEBRA) and the National Federation of Professional Bullriders (NFPB). As a member of the NFPB there were several riders I already knew and admired for their accomplishments. I also got a chance to meet several riders whose reputation are well known in the industry.
It was finally time for action to begin. As the lights dimmed in the arena the focus was on the bucking chutes, where a bull rider stood front and center. You could feel the excitement in the air. With a blast of thunder and flames 40 of the America's top bull riders walked through a shower of pyrotechnics. One lone man shinned above the rest, Willis Trosclair of Thibodaux, LA, was on top of the shark cage as he is the number one bull rider in the Super Bull Series standings.
Announcer Chris Rankin from Normangee, Texas kept the Wells Fargo crowd informed. While the antics of 2X National Finals Rodeo Funny Man, Donnie Landis of Hollywood, CA, kept them laughing.
The bull riders where protected by bull fighters Jason Gibbs and Brian Blair.
Clint Davis served as Bull Wrangler keeping the arena clear. He was given a loud round of applause when it was announced he was an American Soldier.
The Jumbo Tron prominently located in the center of the arena with its instant replays made the statement, "Not a bad seat in the house" the understatement of the night. The announcer and Jumbo Tron crew did an excellent job of using this technology to enhance the fans enjoyment of each ride.
With an evening of "set on the edge of your seat action" was over 20 of the 40 bull riders where with scores and 20 had zeros beside their names. The stock contractors who provided bulls where: Scott Burris (SB), JK Rodeo; 5G Farms, Newcomb and Rice (NR); Shad Smith (SS); Brian Wires; and Walkowe Bucking Bulls (FW).
Top ten results unofficially went to:
1. Jimmy Twedt – Ellsworth, IA - 91 points on 207X of SB.
2. Curt Check – Seneca, WI – 90 points on 506 of SB.
3. Ryan Schumacher – Bayport, MN – 89.5 points on 409 of SB.
4/5. Seth Reynolds – Willow Springs, MO – 87 points on C39 of FW.
4/5. Willis Trosclair – Thibodaux, LA – 87 points on 2 of JK Rodeo.
6/7/ Jimmy Tubbs – Greenbriar, AR – 86.5 points on 533 of 5G.
6/7. Ty Redman – Van Wert, IA – 86.5 points on 300 of JK Rodeo.
8. Trinity Dunkelberger – Gerradstown, WV - 86 points on 067 of JK.
9. Willy Ropp – Trenton, MO. – 85.5 points on 61 of Brian Wires.
10/11/12 Dexter Huber – Belen, NM – 85 points on 856 NR.
10/11/12. Ross Burney – Coffeyville, MS - 85points on 118 of SS.
10/11/12. Rocky Johnson – Dallas, TX – 85 points on 412 of SB.
The fans got a special autograph signing following the event. Along with the 40 bull riders was Rachel Burton, Miss NFPB 2009.
With all the business done it was time for the bull riders and fans to attend the official after party at Miss Kitty"s.
Plan on being back on Saturday Night at 7:30 pm for the 2nd Round and Championship Round of Super Bull Series.
To learn more go to www.superbullseries.com
By: R. Todd Crase
From the Bull Pen
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