More than 1,500 excited applauders made for an enthusiastic grandstand of spectators at the fourth annual Flint Hills Bull Blowout in Strong City, Kansas.
“We really are pleased with the success of our bull riding competition from all perspectives, foremost the crowd that was alive for the two-hour packed evening of entertainment highlighted by bucking bulls and champion cowboys,” appreciated Kim Reyer.
Presented by Flint Hills Genetics, a bucking bull production program, and Reyer’s Country Store, both of which Reyer and his wife, Lana, and their children, sons-in-law and grandchildren are involved; there were a total of 45 sponsors assisting with the bull riding competition which featured $1,000 in prize money added to entry fees of the 22 contestants.
Inspirational opening ceremonies led by announcer Troy Goodridge, Fort Scott, featured presentation of Ole Glory by Jacey Crowther, daughter of contractor Jimmy Crowther, and singing of the national anthem by Jerrod McNutt.
Big dollar winner and trophy recipient was Derek Brumitt of Plainville, the last rider of the short go-round, who marked 81 points on Price Sheriff of Crowther’s New Frontier Rodeo Company at Roxbury. To a standing ovation, Brumitt tipped his hat as stepping off the spinning bull and collecting a check for $651.
There were five qualified rides in the first go round, with those and an additional ten riders drawn to come back in the final round. No competitors made qualified rides on two bulls.
Second biggest check went to Luck Dick of Cheney who received $488, for marking 75 points on Rainman in the first round.
Other winners were 3, Kyle Ziegler, Atwood, $366; 4, Dusty Rogers, Mulvane, $244; 5, Wyatt Staff, El Dorado, $183; and 6, Clayton Colburn, Wichita, $101.
Twenty-three youth six and under were in the kickoff mutton’ busting (sheep riding), with the top prize belt buckle going to Chas Smith of Cottonwood Falls for a score of 83 points.
Others with qualified rides were Ryan Crowell, 79, and Clark Miller, 75.
There was a chicken scramble for youth ten and under. Antics by funnyman Hippie Engelkes from Iowa, and cowboy-saving-moves by bullfighters Westin Dent, Brookville, and Mark Peters, Randall, added zest to the fast evening’s entertainment.