New York City was the place of choice for the second event of the 2009 PBR season, and J.B. Mauney must be repeating that phrase, ‘I love New York’. He won this event for the second time in three years. But before I get into the results, there are a few other things I want to mention first.
J.W. Hart was in the announce booth this week, providing his insight and humor. I just LOVE J. Dub, and seem to pay a little more attention when he is speaking, for I don’t want to miss any of his little bits of innuendo and jokes.
Speaking of funny, after young Ryan Dirteater rode his bull he took off his helmet to unveil a Mohawk hair cut. The announcers were taken aback, as they were trying to decide if he had that cut before and no one noticed it. One of them stated that he looked like a cross between Lyle Lovett and Mr. T! Dirteater said that some of his friends felt that since he was an Indian – Cherokee I believe – that he should have the appropriate hair cut. Best thing is, at 19 years of age, he can pull it off!
The retired three-time Champion of the World Adriano Moraes was in attendance. When asked if he had any regrets about his retirement, he responded with, “I regret that I got old.” And so do his fans, although I believe that he will be seen frequently as an ambassador for the PBR.
The first round was not televised, but Mike White was the winner. He scored an 88.25 with God’s Gift, owned by Chad Berger/Clay Struve. Interestingly, it was disclosed that after the 2008 season he contemplated retirement. He finally had a healthy year, but did not ride up to his expectations. He had his focus on other things, roping being the major one, and he decided to take another year and really keep his mind centered on bull riding. So far, in this short new tour, it is working.
Cody Campbell was in for the injured Chris Shivers, who suffered a broken nose last week in Baltimore. (Shivers is expected back next week, complete with helmet.) Campbell made the most of his opportunity, tying for second with Zack Brown with scores of 87.75. Campbell rode North Dakota Kid, who is owned by Chad Berger/Jim Quintaine. Brown rode Blue Boy. Chad Berger/Roger Ward hauls Blue Boy.
Fourth was young Reese Cates, who rode Countersink, a Williams/Roth bull, to an 87.25. There was a tie for fifth and sixth between Brian Herman and Kody Lostroh. They both earned an 87, Herman on Chad Berger/Clay Struve/Julie Rosen’s Cooper, and Lostroh on the Robinson/Larry the Cable Guy’s Gappy Joe.
Twenty-nine men rode their bulls in round two, and it was Lostroh who topped the chart at the end of the night. He scored a big 91 on Teague Bucking Bulls, LLC’s Chance. J.B. Mauney was second with an 89.50 when he rode Berger/Struve’s Bad Action. Third was Valdiron de Oliveira. He rode Frank the Tank, who is owned by John and Lacey Berger/Clay Struve, to an 87.50. Robson Palermo was fourth after he covered Fully Loaded for an 87.25. That team of Berger/Struve owns Fully Loaded. All four of these men are considered legitimate contenders to be fighting for the top spot at the end of the year.
Round three found Renato Nunes riding his bull Big Coyote to a score of 88.50 to win this round. Big Coyote is owned by Jeff Robinson Bucking Bulls. There was a three-way tie for second between Austin Meier, White, and Palermo, all with scores of 87.75. Meier rode John and Lacey Berger’s Clam Digger, White covered Montego Bay, owned by Berger/Struve/Rosen, and Palermo rode the Berger/Struve bull, Walk the Line.
The Championship Round was strong, with each bull being a good one. Six men were able to cover their bulls, but in the end it was Mauney who stood the tallest. He picked Chicken on a Chain, owned by Robinson/Tedesco/Larry the Cable Guy/Broken N-N, in the draft, mainly because the previous week the bull had gotten the best of him. He was glad to have the opportunity to get even, and did he ever. He stuck it to that bull to a great score of 91.75.
Shane Proctor gave a great ride on Say I Won’t Gunner to be awarded a 91.25, to be second. Berger/Struve own Gunner. Third was the reigning World Champion Guilherme Marchi. He got a 90.75 after riding I’m a Gangster, owned by Teague Bucking Bulls, LLC. Campbell was fourth with an 88.50 when he rode the Jeff Robinson Bucking Bull, War Zone. Interesting to note here that Campbell was really hit hard in the head in round three by Bad Medicine, suffering a concussion. He chose to ride in the short-go, but stated that he might pick an easier bull than he originally planned, and coming in the leader, he had all of the bulls to pick from.
Wiley Petersen wound up fifth in the short-go with an even 88 points. He rode the consistent Sir Patrick, a bull who has been on the tour for seven years. A great record, and a tribute to owners Berger/Struve/Rosen. Sir Patrick looked really good, both physically and in his performance.
The event standings had Mauney in the lead, followed by Campbell, Proctor, Petersen, and Leonil Santos.
The highest scoring bull of the event, and winner of the Salem NationaLease Bull of the Event was the 2008 Bucking Bull of the Year, Bones, owned by Teague Bucking Bulls, LLC. Bones was given an outstanding bull score of 47.50.
The Built Ford Tough World Standings show Lostroh on top, being chased by Mauney, Marchi, Palermo, Campbell, Proctor, de Oliveira, Petersen, Kasey Hayes, and Santos.
Three men are questionable for next week. White suffered a concussion, Santos suffered a rib separation, and Proctor pulled his hamstring.
Next weekend there are two events in California, a one-day in Fresno and a two-day event in Sacramento.
Andy Watson photo.
Be safe and God Bless,
Viva La Raza,
Barb.
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