Best of the Best

Note: this blog was written Saturday, June 21, 2008

The stage is set for what promises to be an exciting CNFR Championship Round. Only the Top-12 contestants in each event have earned the right to compete for a national title. The CNFR is always a thrill but the Championship Round vaults that energy to the next level…it’s certainly among the best performances in all of rodeo.

I’m eager to see what bull rider will step up to the challenge, block out all of the hype and rise to the occasion.

A few bull riders to watch include:

Craig Begay, a three-time CNFR Qualifier from Central Arizona (Coolidge) is in great shape heading into the final performance having been successful on every ride thus far. Should he hold on to win the title it couldn’t happen to a nicer guy. Dustin Jenkins competing for the University of Montana has also been successful on three rides.

But then there are the sentimental favorites: Hutch Haslasm, Brent Menz and Seth Glause. Hutch, the recipient of several stitches thanks to his bullrding attempt in the “Bull and Broncs” performance has fought his way back to the Championship Round despite riding with one eye swollen shut. Menz, a southern boy riding for the University of Tennessee-Martin has been here before only to see his national title hopes fall short. He’s an outside shot to win the overall title but that beats no shot at all. But you have to pull for Wyoming native Glause! In my opinion, Glause provided the CNFR with the best ride of the week when he rode Wyoming raised bucking bull “Q” owned by Bill and Donna Larsen. Seth doesn’t have a shot at the national title but he is very capable of winning the Championship Round.

No matter who you root for one thing is certain, the CNFR Championship Round won’t disappoint!

Forever West,
Jeremy