Top bull riders in the world compete in Cody

The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association is to rodeo what the NBA is to basketball — and its Xtreme Bulls circuit is like the Dream Team of bull riding, featuring only the top bull riders in the world. On Thursday evening, Cody played host to this star-studded competition as a jump start to the holiday weekend.

One of the best rides of the night came from Garrett Tribble, currently ranked No. 11, with his 85-point ride.

Tribble’s bull immediately went into a fishtail the moment the chutes burst open, helping this Oklahoman cowboy rack up some serious points.

“It felt great, the bull was good and the judges liked it — I couldn’t have rode better,” Tribble said, adding that he focused on keeping his chin tucked and staying in the middle during his 8-second ride.

Coming out on top was a bit of a surprise, but “that’s always the plan,” Tribble said.

Although his ride was excellent, he came in for a rough landing at the end.

“I hit the ground, but I feel great now,” Tribble said. “Winning made it feel better.”

Dalan Duncan also nailed an 85-point ride and the duo tied for first was followed close behind by Brett Stall with an 84.5.

Sage Kimzey, who is currently ranked No. 7 in the Xtreme Bulls, went from sitting horizontal in the chutes to being nearly vertical in the arena as his bull bucked up and out. But he held on tight and nailed an 83.5-point ride.

“It went good and I had a young bull,” Kimzey said. “I don’t care which way they go. It’s a good way to start the Fourth (of July).”

Joe Frost’s bull didn’t bring much buck, but had plenty of spin — earning him an 83.5 to tack onto his No. 43 standing in the Xtreme Bulls.

“It was a half-point less good than Sage (Kimzey),” Frost said. “He switched directions but had a hard time bucking me off.”

Some familiar faces were in the arena, namely former Northwest College Trapper Shane Proctor who returned to his home turf, but this time at the pro level and currently ranked No. 7 in the Professional Bull Riders’ world standings and No. 10 with the PRCA.

Proctor didn’t have a successful ride, but luckily Meeteetse bullfighter Dusty Tuckness had his back.

Not everyone enjoyed a successful ride, however, as Patrick Geipel found out. Although he’s currently ranked No. 42 in the Xtreme Bulls, Geipel got bucked off before the 8-second timer sounded off.

“I had a good bull, but it was rough,” Geipel said. “The contractors had a really good set of bulls — the bulls here are everything we’d want.”

Fellow pro rider Ty Wallace (No. 17 in the Xtreme Bulls) also had some rough luck in the arena on Thursday but said he planned to return for the Stampede Rodeo in the following days.

“The stock was awesome, had some good bulls and good bull riding,” Wallace said.

See Thursday’s Tribune for coverage on the rest of the Stampede Rodeo.