This year marked the132nd anniversary of the Fillmore County Fair. In all 132 years they had never had a rodeo of any type. That all changed on July 18th when the Extreme Bullriding Tour came to Geneva, NE and the Fillmore Country Fair. As the gates opened and the cowboys prepared for their rides it was apparent the seating was going to go fast. Late arrivals found standing room only. The riders and bulls seemed to feel the excitement in the air and what was on the line - $4000 added money up for grabs plus an opportunity to win the tours year-end championship and a Capri Camper.
The committee put up the money and the top bull riders responded. Just a few of the top names to compete were Jody Newberry current leader of the National Federation of Professional Bullriders and well recognized PBR award winner; Travis Sellers, well known not only in the NFPB but also one of the top riders in the PRCA; Skeeter Kingoliver, currently number 2 in the NFPB standings; Jimmy Twedt, 2007 BOA Finals Champion and 2007 Extreme Bull Riding Tour; Craig Sassie, 3 times PBR World Finals Qualifier; Seth Reynolds, PRCA Prairie Circuit Champion; Jessie Schelhammer, PBR World Finals Qualifier; Steven Lile, 2 times BOA Champion & 2 times Extreme Bull Riding Tour Champion. Pretty impressive group of riders but they did not phase the “Attack Pack” of the Double S Bull Company and at the end of the night the bulls were the overall winners.
Announcer, Brandon McLagan, is well known for his knowledge of bucking bulls and the sport of bull riding not only kept the fans well informed on the action but played straight man for the antics of funnyman, Shawn “Boom Boom” Thompson. Over the last decade Shawn has continually been selected as “Funnyman of the Year” by numerous associations and after watching him in action the fans of Fillmore County understood why.
Shawn is also an officer in the Midwest Bullfighters Association and helped put together the four man freestyle bullfight that left the crowd on the edge of their seats. Freestyle bullfighting is growing in popularity and the MWB has become one of the top providers of these events in the Midwest.
The night wasn’t over when the last bull left the chute. Nebraska’s Mark Keaton and Aces High Band provided the music as fans danced into the wee hours of the morning.
Bull Riding Results:
1. Jeremy Miller 88 $2043.36
2. Jody Newberry 84 $$1548.00
3/4/5 Travis Sellers 83 $763.68
3/4/5 Matt Birkenholtz 83 $763.68
3/4/5 Cody Ruddick 83 $763.68
6/7 Skeeter Kingsolver
6/7 Evan Hecht $154.80
Bullfight Results:
1. Cory Gribble 84 $360
2. Pat Riha 83 $270
3. Brandon Lindsay 80 $180
4. Bobby Felton 77 $90
PERSONNEL:
Stock Contractor:
Double S Bulls - Sidney, IA
Production:
Todd Crase, White Buffalo Productions - Winterset, IA
Ryan Skillett, White Buffalo Productions - Lincoln, NE
Announcer:
Brandon McLagan, Muskogee
Funnyman:
Shawn "Boom Boom" Thompson - Sidney, IA
Bull Fighters:
Brandon Lindsay - Green Castle, MO
Andy Thompson - IA
Judges:
Thad Ida, Kearney, NE
Chas Skillet, Denton, NE
Secretary:
Hallie Dessell - Cherokee, IA
Timer:
Hallie Dessell - Cherokee, IA
DEB'S SOUTH 40 PHOTO GALLERY OF THIS EVENT
Photos courtesy of Greg Scellin
