SPINNING FOR SUCCESS: Travis Gonzales of Redding rides his bull Sunday at the WRBRA Finals, hoping for a high score. As the weekend came to an end, Gonzales went home with three new belt buckles: Rookie of the year for 2009, Weekend Reserve Champion and Finals Reserve Champion, in the Pro Am Division. Kris Matthews of Redwood Valley was the Weekend Champion and Finals Champion for the 2009 season in the same division.
The Western Regional Bull Riders Association Finals were held at the Redding Rodeo Grounds, Saturday September 26th and Sunday September 27th. There was great success for many of the riders. Out of each age group, a weekend reserve champion and weekend champion buckle were awarded. For the year end finals, a reserve and a champion buckle were also awarded along with Rookie of the Year in each event.
The rough stock riders that were participating in the event ranged from four years in age for the mutton busting to the Pro Am Division for the adults. There was also a "Black and Blue" ride held, in which family members of the riders rode to support their children.
After the death last week of Rodeo Enthusiast Connie Taylor of Redding, a buckle was awarded in her honor by Mary Novak and Logan Martin to the young man who was the "Most Inspirational" rider at the finals.
"Two young men came to mind and it was really hard for the board to choose the recipient. Our Reserve was Cody Upton, and the winner of the most inspirational rider was Tristan Barr. Both boys are always smiling, even if they do not do well in competition and constantly cheer the other riders on," said Jo Moniz. "
Upton and Barr are both Junior Steer Riders.
Locally, in the Senior Steer Event, Nathaniel Jenkins of Anderson was the Weekend Reserve Champion and the Finals Champion with a season point total of 1,180 points. Travis Gonzales of Redding, who competes in the PRO AM division, took home with him many honors. Gonzales was named 2009 Rookie of the Year, Weekend Reserve Champion and Finals Reserve Champion.
The Western Regional Bull Riders Association has been asked to send some of their riders to the finals in Las Vegas this winter.
The WRBRA has been active in youth bull riding for the past five years and is looking forward to many more.
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
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