College National Finals Rodeo closes with Wyoming Cowgirls sweeping the title

noreply@blogger.com (Wyoming Tourism) — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 14:45:00 +0000

I have returned home to Cheyenne from the College National Finals Rodeo which was held in Casper, Wyoming.

The CNFR is a great rodeo featuring the best collegiate rodeo athletes in the U.S., Canada, and even Australia. Congratulations to the University of Wyoming women’s rodeo team for capturing the national title.

It was a great week from my point of view as well. My last blog discussed the Bulls, Broncs & Breakaway event which took place Sunday, June 10. It was quite a workout for me as I ended up taking a few "hookings" for the bull riders. I went into the remainder of the week a little sore and swollen but as a bullfighter, and a cowboy for that matter, I can handle my fair share of pain.

Perhaps you were able to catch Casper News 13 or K2 News during the week. I was the feature story for both stations and had the opportunity to promote the CNFR, military, as well as the great state of Wyoming. If you missed out, we will do our best to post the newscast on the blog.
I had to call my parents and warn them prior to the features airing. I knew the footage would be hard for them to watch as it was highlighted with various close calls. However, they did manage to watch it with one eye closed. I know it has to be hard on them to see me being hit by such large animals but my family’s support is invaluable as I continue to pursue my rodeo goals.

The championship round of the CNFR is among the very best short rounds I have ever been a part of. Commissioner John Smith and his team go to great lengths to produce a premier event and it is an honor to be just a small part of it. In 1999, I attended the CNFR. After seeing this first-class event I set a goal to fight bulls there. In 2005, I made my first appearance and will continue to fight CNFR bulls through at least 2009. If you've never attended, I’d highly encourage you to do so next June.

Several members of the Wyoming Tourism staff and board of directors were in attendance for the championship round. I can't thank Wyoming enough for their support and friendship. Wyoming is host to the world’s biggest and best rodeos whether Cheyenne Frontier Days, the College National Finals, the Cody Stampede...and the list goes on. You must attend a Wyoming rodeo live to comprehend how big rodeo is in Wyoming.

The Marine Corps played host to the first annual CNFR Chin-Up Contest. I am excited to inform you I am the champ. Upon finding out there was a competition it was my goal to win the plaque given to the champion. My wrist was still swollen from a "hooking" earlier in the week but I wanted to win so bad I pushed that pain out of mind long enough to do 30 chin-ups and claim the title!

Well, my rodeo schedule is a work in progress and I'm sure I will be on the road sooner rather than later - so stay tuned as I update you from the rodeo trail.

Forever West,
Jeremy

Bullfighter at CNFR June 11th

noreply@blogger.com (Wyoming Tourism) — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 13:54:00 +0000

June 11, 2007

I've made my trek south to Casper, Wyoming, for the 59th annual College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR). Sunday played host to the annual "Bulls, Broncs & Breakaway" event which features all three rough stock events (bull riding, bareback & saddle bronc riding as well as the roping event).

It was a great event showcasing the talents of our most elite college rodeo student athletes. Aaron Loewe, my CNFR bullfighting partner, and I had our work cut out for us. Despite there being a few close calls, everyone managed to walk out of the arena on their own accord. Out of a possible 100 points, bull rider Ted Bert recorded the highest marked ride with 83 points.

Today, we started the second round of bull riding which featured half of the qualified bull riders. Tomorrow (12 June) will feature the remaining half. The cowboys are randomly drawn for their stock and Harry Vold provides topnotch livestock for the CNFR. A large majority of the stock performing at the CNFR will also perform at the upcoming Cheyenne Frontier Days rodeo.

The bulls had my number this morning as I took three "hookings" in order to keep the bull riders safe. I'm a little sore but this is my job. I'm a hit man...remember! I was interviewed after the day’s events. A local reporter asked me what it took to stand in front of angry bulls. My answer was one word: Passion. No matter what one’s job is, I know passion is the difference between those who do their job and those who do their job well.

Be sure to visit www.cnfr.com for more rodeo information, videos and stats. I will do my best to keep you updated as well.

Forever West,

Jeremy

Bullfighter Performs at CNFR

College National Finals Rodeo closes with Wyoming Cowgirls sweeping the title

Bullfighter at CNFR June 11th