Liberty National Bank Xtreme Bulls begins Friday

Drawn by the largest bull riding purse in local history, the Liberty National Bank Xtreme Bulls Classic has attracted a field of 80 top Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association cowboys including 30 who are currently ranked in the top 40 in the world standings.

And while there are 14 contestants who are currently ranked in the top 20 on the PRCA list, none have had a better couple of weeks than Trey Kimzey, the Strong City cowboy.

While older brother Sage Kimzey has dominated the PRCA bull riding over the last decade or so with seven world titles but is out this season with an injury, now there are several young guns taking the lead including Trey Kimzey who is working his way out of big brother’s shadow and has recently thrust himself into the world title race.

Two weeks ago T. Kimzey won the rich Rodeo Austin title. He not only claimed the brand trophy that contestants long to earn, he was the lone finalist to stay aboard and all total he took home nearly $28,000 for his efforts to climb to 17th in the world standings.

Now Kimzey will bring his hot streak to Lawton to try and get a piece of the rich purse at the Liberty National Bank Lawton Xtreme Bulls Friday and Saturday at the Great Plains Coliseum.

The entry books closed March 22 and the field maxed out at 80 contestants who are chasing a huge purse that includes $20,000 added money and a total purse of nearly $40,000. Performances are slated for 7 p.m. on both nights and many of the best in the business will be in town.

Friday’s entry list includes former Lawton winner Dustin Boquet who is currently ranked 12th, Jace Trosclair who is currently 4th, Hayes Weight who is 5th, Tristen Hutchings who comes in ranked 10th, and veterans Jeff Askey who is currently 34th and Laramie Mosley who is ranked 37th.

Saturday’s entry list is loaded starting with Trey Kimzey, No. 2-ranked Clayton Sellars, No. 3 Cody Teel, No. 7 Luke Mast, No. 9 Brody Yeary, No. 11 Chase Dougherty, Jeter Lawrence who has climbed to 13th, Maverick Smith at 14th, Taylor Toves at 15th, and Lukasey Morris 19th. Other ranked riders set to compete Saturday are: Jake Gardner 23rd, Trey Benton III 24th, Stran Smith 25th, Jackson Ward 28th, JR Stratford 29th, Tristan Mize 31st, and Maverick Potter 40th.

Xtreme Bulls director Charles Lupi and “Mo” Betta Rodeo Company owner Maury Tate have hired one of the best entertainers in pro rodeo, barrelman John Harrison who just happens to be the grandson of the legendary Freckles Brown.

“We are striving to bring in the best people we can to make this a special event,” Lupi said. “We have a group of amazing sponsors that have helped get the added money to the level where we have most of the top-ranked bull riders in the PRCA.

In addition to Liberty National Bank, other sponsors include Lane Frost.com, Billingsley Ford, Apache Casino Hotel, Coors and Southwest Sale, Keystone Roofing, and Rod Polston Tax Resolution and Accounting.

Another popular part of the event will once again include the Junior Bull Riding sponsored by Hilliary Communications. There will be 10 junior bull riders each night and the top rider will earn his PRCA card when he turns 18 as part of the draw for these young contestants.

And Billinglsey Ford will be providing a special custom-made gold buckle that will be one of top draws in future years.

“This buckle is going to be one of those prestigious memorabilia items that any rider who wins it will sure wear it because it will be a unique gift for the winner,” Lupi said.

Once again, the bulls will be provided by Frontier Rodeo Company and the “Mo” Betta Rodeo Company. Frontier left the PRCA Awards Banquet last December with its eighth straight Stock Contractor of the Year Award.

The event will include some of the best bullfighters in the PRCA including Oklahoman Nate Jestes.

There are general admission tickets and VIP tickets available for the event. Tickets can be purchased at any Liberty National Bank location or by going online to Stubwire.com

The Coliseum has made several changes with a new platform for announcer, timers and the secretary and new Priefort Chutes have been ordered and Coliseum staffers will be assisting with the layout prior to the event.

“We want to keep improving the facility and make it better for the contestants, the stock and the fans,” Lupi said. “Having that many bulls bucking each night is something you can’t find at normal rodeos and thanks to these great sponsors we hope to just keep increasing the added money which will in turn increase the quality of our contestants.”