Who will represent the red, white and blue?

J.W. Hart has never been a man to mince words.

Just yesterday I was talking with him about the upcoming World Cup and he wasted little time in making it a point to say that last year was "embarrassing" for the U.S. team and that anything short of winning this year would be a "disappointment."

That's exactly why the 33-year-old from Oklahoma has been made the captain of this year's U.S. Team at the World Cup, and it's his job to assemble a five-man team and two alternates that will go down to Chihuahua, Mexico and not only compete, but also make their fellow Americans proud of their country.

It's already been confirmed that Justin McBride, Kody Lostroh and L.J. Jenkins will represent the red, white and blue, with the remaining members being announced this weekend at the rider meeting for the Dickies American Worker of the Year Invitational presented by Pike Electric in Dallas, Texas.

As we all await word of who else will make the team, keep in mind that Hart had this to say about McBride, "After Dallas and another event, if he's not up to par, he'll be my alternate. I won't have a problem cutting him.

"I didn't really want the job of captain, but the board insisted they wanted me to do it. They knew I wouldn't be biased towards a friend--that I was going to win. I'm going (there) to win for our country. I think we got humiliated last year and we took some great bull riders."

Speaking of great bull riders, Hart has several to choose from in rounding out his World Cup team, and it'll no doubt be a tough decision. The following are just a few thoughts about those he's most likely to choose from.

J.B. Mauney: Despite MAuney's being in fourth place in the Built Ford Tough Series, it just doesn't feel as though he's had that great of a season, but as Justin McKee has mentioned time and again, "it's because we hold him to a higher standard." He's a tough-minded bull rider and is one of those cowboys who has the ability to set aside the added pressure of competing for his country.

Travis Briscoe: J.W. was openly critical of Travis when he turned out on a couple bulls earlier this season, especially because he was riding so well at the time, but the fact remains he's already won three events this season. It'll be interesting to see whether or not J.W. elects to travel down to Mexico with the 21-year-old, especially if experience plays a big part in his decision-making process.

Mike Lee: A former World Champion, Mike is a proven winner. He's currently in seventh place in the world standings, but just today he admitted in an interview that he feels like he should have ridden more of his short go bulls. The Texas native, who is seemingly a fan choice to travel south of the border with the American team, blew out his knee in a previous World Cup event and would love another chance to prove himself on the world stage.

Ross Coleman: The hardnosed veteran from Oregon hasn't made the short go since the event back in Nampa, so despite his Top 10 place and close friendship with the captain, if J.W. places a certain value on present as opposed to the past, the 29-year-old Coleman may, unfortunately, be the odd man out. But the fact is he's a tough, gritty competitor and able to put it on the line every time the chute gate opens.

Sean Willingham: The Georgia cowboy traveled a short distance to Florida and picked up his first event win of the season at the Git-R-Done Invitational in Orlando. That win and a third-place finish in San Antonio has moved him into the Top 10, making him another of the Americans who would be difficult not to place on the U.S. team. At the moment he's tough to pick against.

Luke Snyder: If J.W. wants to make sure his team is healthy and able to compete, then there's no better member than Luke, who hasn't missed a Built Ford Tough Series event since his rookie year in 2001. He's just outside of the Top 10 and is in the midst of having one of the best seasons of his 8-year career. May not be a first choice, but it wouldn't be a surprise if he was chosen.

Chris Shivers: He is arguably the toughest bull rider in the world, and with two world titles to his credit. He doesn't have to prove to anyone whether or not he has what it takes to win. Unfortunately, he's coming off an injury, and 2008 has been anything but his best year. That said, he's got the resume, he's got the experience, but only J.W. knows whether or not he's on the team.

Dustin Elliott: A relative newcomer to the Built Ford Tough Series, Dustin is anything but some sort of Johnny-come-lately to the world of professional bull riding. In his first full season on the tour he's currently ranked 15th in the world, and has proven himself as both durable and consistent. Let's also not forget that, like Mike White, he's a former PRCA World Champion. He could, in fact, be a surprise selection.

All that having been said what are your thoughts? If you were the captain or if you had a chance to sit down and discuss the team with J.W. Hart who would you lobby for and why? How do you think the U.S. team will do this year? Which country should be considered the favorite going into this year's event? Is anyone planning on traveling to Chihuahua in August for the World Cup?