Kimzey claims Xtreme Bulls title

Trey Kimzey didn’t waste his golden opportunity Saturday, sticking on the back of Frontier Rodeo Company’s Stranger Danger for an 87.5 to take the title in the Eighth Liberty National Bank Xtreme Bulls at the Great Plains Coliseum before a big crowd of bull riding fans.

When the stock draw was announced Tuesday, that matchup caught the eye of everyone who follows the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association bull riding. Kimzey is trying to build his reputation with another National Finals Rodeo qualification last December and this time his draw was one of the top bulls that made the Las Vegas trip as well.

Saturday Kimzey did just what he needed to do, making a strong ride and then waited for the score to be posted. When an 87.5 was splashed on the video board he knew he had the title and a huge check for $13,325 that will send him moving up the world standings when they are updated Monday by the PRCA office.

Kimzey won’t be the only bull rider that came away from the Lawton event as several others earned hefty checks as well. Cullen Telfer was one of those, scoring an 87 aboard Frontier’s Revved Up, to pocket $10,215. Ky Hamilton finished third with the 86 he posted Friday on the back of Fire Time from the Championship Rodeo Company to earn $7,551 which should move him close to the top 15.

Riggin Shippy of Colomke, SD, stayed aboard Electric Avenue from the Championship pen for an 85 that earned him $4,886 for a 4th-place finish. Trevor Reiste was fifth with an 84.5 on Frontier’s 500 that earned him $3,109.

Others who earned checks were Hayden Welsh who posted an 83.5 Friday on “Mo” Betta Rodeo Company’s Big Papi that was good for sixth worth $2,221; Ernie Courson Jr. who was 82.5 and earned $1,776; and JaCauy Hale and Cooper James who split eighth with 82s, each pocketing $666.

All total the riders took $44,415 away from the event, a record as the $30,000 added money boosted the payouts substantially this year thanks to the work of promoter Charles Lupi who brought in one of the top rodeo clown/barreman Justin Rumford to keep fans entertained both nights.