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2004 VIP Rodeo

Todd Pettigrew helps out Justin Carlton with Burruss Rodeo Co.'s "Jack the Ripper" on the first night of action.

Mervin Beechy being introduced during the opening of the Finals.

2004 Finals Story 

     Forty six dollars and ninety cents is not much money especially when it is the distance that is between two men going after their first Federation Cup title.  With about $20,000.00 up for grabs in six rounds that makes things real interesting.  Ryan Clark and his pursuer Terry Dabney both came in to the Finals knowing that they had to make it count or they would not be the one to wear that Champion buckle.  Not to mention there were about ten tough bullriders behind them within striking distance for the title.

     The first round was an indication that it would be a tough finals when Mississippi bull rider Virgil Alsup, the second man out in the first night of action, was 86 points on Jim Bollinger's bull # XX.  Missouri man Josh McGonigal would not be out done and matched with his own 86 point effort on Double S bull #R.  Carthage, Missouri bull rider Jeff Major struck to make the first round a three way split with his 86 point ride on Scott Burruss bull #01.  Fourth was another split with Terry Dabney and Tyler Freeman both making 82 point rides.  This moved Dabney to the lead over front runner Ryan Clark.

     Round two was no less thrilling.  Former Rookie of the Year Dustin Davis rode Cory Check's bull #21 for a tune of 88 points.  Matt Werries was 87 points to place second.  Josh McGonigal found himself with another 86 points for third.  Tim Roussell was 82 points to finish the round.

     Round three went to Wisconsin's Luke Carroll.  Luke was 86 points on Double S's bull #R.  Former Average winner Adam Proctor was 83 points to win second in the round.  Another Wisconsin cowboy struck in round three when Adam Mace received 82 points for a third place ride.  Erik Hopp finished up the pack with 80 points.

     Round four just kept the outstanding rides coming.  Multiple time Finals qualifier Tim Roussell split the round with Curt Check.  They both turned in 89 points, Tim rode Bull #33 of Grand River's string and Curt spurred his way to the top aboard Jerry Copp's bull #70.  Third went to two time Federation Cup Champion Justin Carlton who was questionable on even competing after being injured in round one.  Justin came back to show he was a true champion with his 88 point effort.  Rookie Seth Reynolds found forth with 84 points.

    The fifth round went to Arkansas's Chris Caudle for his 91 points he received after making an excellent spur ride on Grand River Rodeo Company's big brindle bull #80, earning him the Chip Hume Memorial Award for the highest marked ride of the Finals.  Justice Baker was 88 points for second.  Josh McGonigal struck for the third time with 87 points and Justin Carlton finished forth in the round with 85.

     Going into the sixth and final round no one knew where things would end up. Ryan Clark who came into the Finals leading had been completely quiet.  All five of his bulls had thrown him to the ground and Terry Dabney was leading by a small margin of only about $60.00.  Josh McGonigal had placed in three of the five previous rounds and was in striking distance to win the Championship.  Things got even more interesting when Mississippi struck again.  Alsup won round six with a 90 point ride on Walkowe Bull Company's bull #4F.  At this point things were getting very close and it could go in several directions.  Clark finally broke the silence when he turned in 89 points to split second and third with the hot McGonigal.  Freeman struck again with 88 points to finish forth in the round.

     With that Clark won his first Federation Cup title with a margin of only $382.16 and McGonigal climbed into the Reserve Champion slot by placing in four rounds and winning the average.  There were about 6 different ways that could have ended up happening and it was a nail biter on that Saturday night, watching and waiting to see which way it would finally end up.  During an interview Clark said "Leave it to me to be dramatic I guess". All I can say is that this was some great watching.

     I would like to extend a special thank you to Christy Porter.  She has been such a roll model as our representative.  Christy makes everyone proud to have her as Miss NFPB.  She is a touch of class and we were very lucky to have her represent the NFPB for the year that she did.  We will miss having you at the shows and you are always a part of this family.  Also, congratulations to Julia Bixler of Fenton, MO, for being crowned Miss NFPB 2004.  We look forward to working with her this year.

     Chris Pyle did an outstanding job as always as the Final's announcer.  You're a true professional.  Todd Crase, Joel Chaffin and Mike Grimes had their hands full with this pen of bulls and riders.  Todd Pettigrew, Chris Lewis and Curt Anderson did a great job fighting bulls through six tough rounds.  Wayne West kept the crown laughing.  Deana Cain and Tara Jackson handled the books and kept all the numbers tallied which was no small task.  Brian Latterner was horse back and ready when ever needed.  Thanks to Rex Strayer for all his hard work. Hats off to all of you!  You are the glue, all of you.

     Thank you to the committee for all their help.  They make it possible for us to go back each year.  We appreciate all that they do.

     Woody and Terry Porter, thanks for the help.  You will always be part of this family.

     A special thanks to Todd Crase for the limo.  It was a great touch!  We are glad to have you.

     Congratulations to Leon Kirkland of Rockin' K Productions.  He took home the Producer of the Year Award and the New Event of the Year Award for Mendota, IL.

     Stock Contractor of the Year went to Scott Burruss as did the Bull of the Year Award, #95 Gray Cat.

     Event of the Year went to JS Pro Rodeo, Walkowe Bull Co. and Jackson Bull Co. for their Sedalia, MO event.

     The Bull of the Finals Award went to Walkowe Bull Co.'s bull #X711, Bell Hop.

     Congratulations to everyone!!