“Middle of Nowhere” Bull Riding and Bull Fighting School a Huge Success

By Echo Sharkey
Posted Thursday, June 11, 2009

The first of what many are hoping to be annual “Middle of Nowhere” Bull Riding and Bull Fighting School was held May 20-22 at the Brown County Fairgrounds in Johnstown, Nebraska. Seventeen bull riding students and six bull fighting students traveled to Johnstown from South Dakota, Wyoming, Iowa, Colorado and all over Nebraska to attend the school, which consisted of three days of instruction, both in and out of the arena.

Gary Leffew, known as “The Guru” in the rodeo world, was on hand to teach the bull riding students effective techniques, practice drills, and the power of positive thinking. The 1970 PRCA World Champion Bull Rider shared video and stories from his own career, and spoke with the students about what it takes to find success as a professional bull rider. The school started off every day with the students getting on bulls provided by Hollenbeck Rodeo Company of Winner, SD. Then it was off to the classroom, for slow motion replays and detailed critiques, drill practices and inspirational speeches. Each day, it was evident in the arena that the bull riding students were applying what they were learning. “This was a great school,” Gary said. “It was exciting to see so many talented young bull riders, and now that they are equipped with all of the proper tools, there is nothing stopping them from taking off like shooting stars.” Gary is greatly respected by both his peers and students, and has played an instrumental role in the success of many of the world’s top bull riders, past and present, including Adriano Moraes, Luke Snyder and Skeeter Kingsolver. “The Gary Leffew bull riding school made a huge difference in my riding ability and approach to rodeo. The mental toughness as well as the techniques he taught have already greatly increased my riding percentage. Every bull rider who is serious about their career should attend this school,” said South Dakota bull rider Tel Koan, “and I intend to come back next year.”

Without the presence of bull fighters in the arena, you would be hard pressed to find a bull rider that would be willing to nod his head for the gate. Not to be confused with “rodeo clowns,” cowboy protection bull fighters are some of the best athletes in the world, and will risk injury and death to protect and save a bull rider. The bull fighting students at the “Middle of Nowhere” school were instructed by Steve Wangler and Jay Brewer. Wangler, of Bancroft, NE, and Brewer, of Graham, TX, are highly acclaimed and accredited in the bullfighting world. The 2008 Professional Bullfighter’s Tour Reserve World Champion Team, both Wangler and Brewer are exceedingly skilled in the art of cowboy protection as well as freestyle bull fighting, and are well known for their talent and abilities in the arena. Corey Jonas of Rapid City, SD, who came into the school with 6 years of bullfighting experience, plans to come back every year for advanced instruction. “Steve and Jay were extremely professional, and it was an honor to learn from them. They are the best of the best,” said Jonas. The bullfighting students walked away with more than they had expected, with training in all aspects of the bullfighting profession, including business, marketing and public relations. “This was my first experience fighting bulls, and I left the school with complete confidence in my abilities and...my future as a bullfighter,” said Philip Kafka of Wagner, SD.

“It was truly an honor to have such high caliber instructors come to Brown County,” said Echo Sharkey, the promoter who organized the “Middle of Nowhere” school. “When I first made the decision to put on the school, I knew these were the right men for the job. That was validated for me by the incredible success of the school and the positive feedback from the students.”

A special thanks goes out to the Brown County Ag Society, The Golden Steer Steakhouse, KBRB Radio, Pamida, Rodeway Inn, Pepsi, and the community for their hospitality and support of this event. Plans are currently in progress for the second annual “Middle of Nowhere” Bull Riding and Bull Fighting School. If you would like more information, or would like to attend the school, please contact Echo Sharkey at 402.641.6410 or by email to echo@twobullssportsrub.net.

This school was proudly endorsed by RodeoAttitude.com.