Granger is top winner at bull-riding classic
By Anne Griffis
Special to the Times
TUBA CITY, July 23, 2011
(Courtesy photo)
Justin, right, 20, and Lane Granger, 16, pose before the 14th Annual Teddy Granger Bullriding Classic last Saturday. Justin turned out to be the big money winner at his father's event.
But lured by the excitement of a good pen of top quality bulls, Granger, 20, took his chances on staying in control for 8 seconds and winning some money.
"All these are bucking bulls," Granger said of the stock from contractor Virgil Begay's V Bar S Ranch in Rabbit Brush, N.M. "Once they hear the music, they jump, kick, buck hard, and spin. They know the game, and they love it."
The second of 28 contestants in the open long round, Granger set the bar pretty high, scoring 80.5 on Big Sexy. He took first place among only five contestants to clear their draws, winning $720.
He went on to draw I'm Awesome, the top bull for the short go top 3 ride-off, scoring 89.5, and pocketing an additional $500 in prize money.
"I wasn't' really in control," admitted Granger. "The bull tried to drop me in the well, but I kept reaching out. I kept trying. I left everything in the hands of the creator, who gets me up and down the road."
Justin Howlett of Farmington, in third place for the short go, enjoyed a spectacular ride, but earned a no-score on Danger Zone.
"I got behind him in the second round," Howlett said. "I was bucked off, then he caught me by the left leg and tossed me."
The bull fighters covered Howlett, who exited the arena by scrambling over the fence just ahead of the bull's horns.
Howlett was in good company: Professional Bull Riding stars J.B. Moody and Shane Proctor were also once bucked off by Danger Zone.
Hernald John, of Rough Rock, Ariz., who started in second place for the short go, earned a no-score on Big 'n' Rich, along with a lesson in critical thinking.
The 2005-06 champion of the International Indian Finals Rodeo explained, "They said the bull would go left, so that's what I expected. The bull went right, and the rope rolled over."
Taushoney Slim, who took first place in Shonto, Ariz., earlier in the day, was unsuccessful in the long round against Show Stopper. The 2009 champion of the Youth Bull Riding World Finals, Slim travels with younger brother Leshoney and his mom, Sarah Slim.
"This is one of the associations I'm really proud of because it allows Native American kids to compete in sanctioned events against kids from across the country," explained Sarah Slim.
Her sons are members of the Northern Arizona Junior Bull Riding Association, which Teddy Granger - Justin's father - founded six years ago.
Members of NAJBRA who earn the top two scores in each category - wooly, calf, steer, peewee bull, junior bull, and senior bull - will compete in the Youth Bull Riding World Finals the first weekend in August in Abilene, Texas. Those who earn the top six scores will compete in the National Junior Bull Riding Finals in November in Shawnee, Okla.
The Granger Bull Riding Classic was begun in 1997 and its purpose was to raise funds so that Teddy Granger's youngest brother, Terrance, could afford to compete in the National High School Rodeo Association bull-riding finals in Gillette, Wyo.
Terrance was the Arizona State High School Rodeo Association year-end champion, thus qualifying for the finals. He competed again in 1998.
The Granger Bull Riding Classic has been held every year since its founding and is growing bigger and more attractive to bull riders, as well as their fans. This year's event featured PBR-quality bulls, respectable dollar awards, great Navajo tacos, and live music by Chute-Out Country.
The announcer was Ted Bia. The judges were J.P. Paddock and Gill Saganey and the timer was Lita Manygoats.