I began writing this column a month ago, and you, the fans have posted some very thought-provoking responses to the questions that I tack on the end of each article.
The column that received the most response was the April 30 piece on why I've enjoyed covering the Professional Bull Riders since its humble beginnings and how the association has consistently produced great story lines.
You were asked: What are some great stories and trends in the PBR for the media to cover?
A fan named Beth said on May 1 that 2008 world title race leader Guilherme Marchi would be a great story line even though she's not a fan of Marchi and the Brazilians. After that, other fans wrote in and took up for the Brazilians.
A fan named Gus wrote on May 1: "How can you NOT be a fan of Guilherme's??? ... I know everyone has faves. So I'm just kidding. But man! That guy can ride, and THREE YEARS as reserve champ? And from all reports, just a basically great guy. Loves his wife and kids...smiles ALMOST as much as Cord!...Like I said, we all have our favorites, but I'm pulling for Guilherme."
It was apparent that everyone who wrote in respects the Brazilians, but not everyone roots for them and that's OK. But I have to say that I'm a big fan of the Brazilians' high success rate on the PBR Built Ford Tough Series.
As a journalist, I've covered the evolution of the Brazilians competing on the North American circuits beginning with Adriano Moraes, who won the PBR's first world title in 1994. He became the PBR's first two-time champion in 2001 and the first three-time champion in 2006.
Moraes' success paved the way for other talented Brazilians such as 2002 world champion Ednei Caminhas to strap on their spurs at the PBR's North American tour stops and win big.
Ten years ago, I traveled to Brazil and reported on a popular rodeo in Barretos for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. The performances drew 40,000 fans and it had the look of a college bowl game. It also was similar to a NASCAR scene where thousands of fans camped and hung out.
One of the big reasons that the Brazilians win is they hone their bull riding skills on a tough pro circuit in Brazil. They face large bulls that have the look of Brahmans, agile animals that also could become stars on the North American PBR circuits.
The reason that the Brazilians are successful pro bull riders is simple: after learning to manhandle rank bulls in Brazil, they travel to North America and accomplish the same feats.
Marchi is one of them. According to www.probullstats.net, which monitors the top 200 PBR riders by riding percentage at any level of PBR competition since the 2003 season, Marchi ranks first with 62.62 percent at this writing. He has stayed on 258 or 412 bulls (and I have to credit PBR Web developer and statistician Slade Long for pointing this out).
After winning the title on May 3 in Des Moines, Iowa, Marchi had stayed on 80.36 percent (45 of 56) of the bulls that he's faced on the 2008 BFTS Series.
Going into the May 17 tour stop in San Antonio, Marchi leads second-ranked Kody Lostroh in the world title race, 8,729 to 5,882.25.
The PBR cultivated the Brazilians early on and it's paid off.
"They have lifted the bar of all bull riders," said PBR Chief Executive Officer Randy Bernard. "The Brazilians have been winning so much that it's made the Americans try a little harder as well.
"But there is no favoritism. We don't care if you are from Brazil or any other country in the world. If you ride bulls well enough to be on the tour, you'll be welcomed on."
I also wrote an April 28 column on the PBR's decision to sell some seats for $15 during the first weekend of the 2008 World Finals in Las Vegas to commemorate their 15th season. The performances are scheduled for Oct. 31 and Nov. 1-2 at the Thomas & Mack Center and $15 is half of the price that fans would normally pay, according to the PBR's ticket operations department.
PBR fan Sheila Totten applauded the move.
"With the high cost of fuel and airlines boosting their prices, the lure of a $15 seat at the PBR Finals sure will help fans," Sheila wrote on April 28 "Wonderful gift to them. Now maybe Congress will respond to the trucking convoy and do something to alleviate fuel costs!!! Ok. So I am dreaming but this is a great move."
To a fan, the $15 tickets could mean attending one more performance or staying in a nicer hotel. For a family, it could mean mom and dad and the kids can afford to watch bull riding history in the making.
I also wrote an April 21 column on the draft because it was a great idea when the PBR announced that they would allow riders to pick their bulls (in rounds two and four at the three-day Ford Series shows) at the beginning of the season. I applaud the PBR for its willingness to go out of the box and implement the draft, even if it rankles some fans.
A fan who signs in as TheeRebel, carefully explained about warming up to the draft over time.
"At first I was a little skeptical about the draft, but now after watching it on TV and going to a event where they had the draft I REALLY like it," TheeRebel wrote on April 21. "Like I have said before, I would NOT use it for ALL the events. What you are doing now, at only a few events, is great. I like it because you get to see if a guy that talks big can back up what he says or if he will pick a 'easy' bull (not that any short-go bulls are easy). It also lets the fans see match-ups that probably wouldn't happen in the random draw. Because of the draw you get hear (sort of. not much time for them to talk) why the guy picked that particular bull. No, it was not necessary for the PBR to add the draft to make the sport more compelling, but I'm REALLY glad they did!!!"
And on April 24, I wrote about the abundance of 90-plus rides on the 2008 Ford Series. Fans are seeing many 90s for a combination of reasons: ranker bulls, an unusually talented field of riders and the very apparent fact that the draft has played a role in generating standout rides.
A fan named Carolyn said she likes to see riders hit the 90s.
"It makes he sport really exciting," Carolyn wrote on April 27 "As for why, I think the fact that the bull breeding has stepped up is a huge player. There are so many awesome bulls now. Also, with the draw this year, I think riders are able to pick bulls that suit their style. My most memorable 90 is definitely Travis Briscoe on Copperhead Slinger for 95 points in Worcester. I went to Worcester and got to see it in person, and it awesome. The whole Championship round was incredible, with guys riding Big Bucks, Scene of the Crash, Nervous Waters, etc, but Travis's ride on Copperhead stood out."
With all that in mind, here's more questions for you, the fan:
1. You fans who root for the Brazilians, why do you like to see them win?
2. What have the Brazilians' success stories added to the PBR?
3. How can the PBR better cultivate international talent?
4. Is anyone taking advantage of the $15 World Finals tickets? If so, what does this mean to you?
5. Were you skeptical about the draft in the beginning? How do you feel now?
6. What's the first thought that runs through your mind when a rider is scored in the 90s?
Around the end of the 2004 season, I happened to turn to the PBR and not really knowing what I was watching, I saw this great athlete trying to win a championship with his arm wrapped up and in a brace. It was just amazing to watch this bull rider trying so hard to win the world title while being in such pain. Of course this bull rider was Adriano Moraes. I became interested in the sport and I wanted to learn all I could about the riders and the bulls. Part of the fascination with the sport is just how difficult it is. It is amazing how with just one hand in a bull rope and the other hand used as a antenna that these athletes can stay on these powerful animals. I think
what makes the Brazilians so popular to watch is they show so much emotion in what they do. Most of them are so poor in their country they come over here to try to make some money to help their families out. I would think not being able to speak our language and probably have never flown in a plane before would take a lot of determination and bravery on their part to come to a country of more opportunities for them.
Adriano is the greatest bull rider I have had the privilege to watch. He adds so much personality to the sport. He gives so much of himself to the fans. He shows by his actions how much fun he is having and how much he loves the sport. He has been through so much in his career and has given us, the fans, so much to watch. From sadness to sheer joy in his achievements in the sport. He has helped his fellow Brazilians get through the many obstacles to make it easier on them. He has learned fluent English so he can certainly help in explaining and interpret whenever he is needed. If you read his life story and how he started out in his career and what he has accomplished, you will not doubt how great a bull rider Adriano Moraes is. His faith, family and his desire to win cannot be matched by any other bull rider. Almost all of his records he has accomplished will be broken because records are there to be broken but there is one that cannot be broken, he was the first PBR World Champion. That will never be taken away.
I think all of these factors make the Brazilians so interesting to watch. Knowing they stick together and learn the ropes through Adriano.
Adriano has set a standard for all bull riders especially the Brazilians. This is his last year and it will be sad when his last ride is over but he will never be forgotten because of what he has left behind for others to follow. I only hope he will be seen in some other capacity.
This year is not over. We the fans are just here for the ride. He might have some more titles for us. You never know.
As far as the draft goes I had my doubts of it at first...but after going to the one in Billings , seeing how the riders enjoyed it, and then getting to actually cheer them on as they rode the bull they picked WOW what fun! I actually had looked at the bull list before the riders got to start picking and I had choosen a few of the bulls I liked, being from ND the Berger bulls where top on my list and sure enough they went fast...I even got excited when the riders would pick the one I thought they should...I know I will not miss it next year! Speaking of riding and all those 90 point rides...I am glad I am not a judge and thank goodness for replay! There are some darn good bulls to get those 90's on ; added to some very talented riders. I hope the standard for both never falls. Thanks and have a good week.
Thanks again for the posts.
Re the Brazilians: First, I am with Marilyn. I am pulling for every rider and for some of the Bulls. I just want to see a 100 point ride!
I also appreciate excellence, especially if it is sustained regardless of who. Just so happens right now there aren't too many cowboys above 75%.
There is a bit of the underdog appeal with the Brazilians. Thye are in a foreign country, may have limited communication skills and may feel more isolated than guys born in the USA (I don't see as tough for the Aussies since they speak a version of English). I lived in several foreign countries for extended periods of time so I sort of idntify with being the "foreigner". It can be tough.
What they have added: It helps legitimize the PBR as a "major" league sport. Adds variety. Just look at how they do their ropes. Shows there is more than one way.
Re culitivate international talent: Something like minor leagues in other countries with one or two visits a year by BFTS and Challenger Series. PBR packs up everyone and some bulls (but contracts for some local bulls too) onto planes and has events.
Thought the draft was a great idean from the beginning. Puts more responsibility on the rider for his success or failure. Certainly stresses the importance of riding the round before the draft round.
Cool, that is my first thought on 90's. If it is 92 or more my reaction is WOW. I am concerned that the riders seem to be getting blaise' about it. I think there should be a requirement that the rider comes back out for a curtain call and to receive the applause of the fans.
$15 tickeets don't entice me a bit. One you can't see from up there. Yea, there is the "experience" but I really want to see the rides. And, the total expense involved isn't chicken feed. Much better hotel deals (PBR blocks of rooms) could make a difference. Otherwise I blow a wad on final weekend tickets and tht stay.
Thanks for asking, Don
My first reaction with a 90-point ride is always awe. Just plain awe. Some of the 82's and 85's look impossible enough, so by comparison a 90-point ride must really be something extra. It's when the ride looks relatively easy and well handled by the cowboy and STILL scored that high that I really am speechless (while screaming).
I'm still not sure about the draft...in theory I like the idea of cowboys choosing the bulls, but the staged part feels uncomfortable to watch. I feel bad for some of the guys who don't like to speak publicly. And I wonder if it will start to sound redundant after so many events--there is only so much to be said in 15 seconds with an arena watching and listening.
I think the $15 World Finals ticket are such a cool idea - I am begging my parents to take me to the Finals this year - I've been driving them crazy. Hopefully there will be deals like this in the future so that as prices for airfare and gas keep going up, the Finals are still affordable.
From the beginning, I've loved the draft. When I first heard about it, I was really excited. I've been fascinated by what kind of bulls the riders tend to take - whether they take a risk and choose a bull that can get them in the 90's, or take a bull they know they can ride to get a good 80 score.
In the past, whenever someone has scored a 90, I've been really impressed and excited by the ride. I've been amazed by the caliber of bull that riders are able to cover.
This year, it seems to me that the bulls and riders have stepped up so much that scoring is tougher than it used to be. I've been watching some older rides from the 1990's, and I keep thinking, that wouldn't have been a 92 (or whatever) now - I don't know if anyone else has noticed this, but it seems to me that the standards have risen.
I really like the draft system. Its really cool to see which bulls the riders pick and how they do on their rides.
im not really all that interested in the brazilians, i cheer for all of the good riders. i admire u guys SOOOOO much and hope that i can b up there with u guys some day; showin ppl that girls can do anything that they put their minds to. i hope that all u ingured riders (which seems to b a lil more than normal lately) will get better soon.......................im rooting for u guys!!!!!!!!!!!