Bull riding event local impact is significant

Published Thursday, May 8, 2008

By Denny Deady

What began five years ago with four local businessmen and their bull riding buddy has grown into one of the biggest events in Wise County and the top venue in the country.

Former world champion bull rider J.W. Hart of Oklahoma had plenty of experience putting on Professional Bull Riders events when he became friends with Calvin Jackson of S&J Oil in Decatur, a new chute sponsor at Hart's Challenger Tour event in Gainesville. Hart became interested in moving his PBR event to Decatur and was impressed with the enthusiasm of Jackson, Roy Young of James Wood Motors, Wendell Berry Jr. of WW Design and Andrew Rottner, now with North Texas Bank.

That was 2004 and rather than the PBR-recommended nine months to plan an event, the four businessmen and Hart put on the first J.W. Hart U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Co. Challenger Tour event in just two months at the Wise County Sheriff's Posse Arena in Decatur. When the ticket booth opened three hours before the first bull was scheduled to buck, 250 fans were waiting in line. This despite brisk advance ticket sales.

Traffic was backed up several miles on FM 51, even as the event got under way.

In the last five years, what is now known as the J.W. Hart PBR Challenge, promoted by WC Challenger Charities, has three times been named Venue of the Year by the professional bull riders, has donated more than $100,000 to United Way of Wise County, has helped buy projects at the Wise County Youth Fair, donated to the fight against cancer, contributed to local health care, supported civic clubs and school organizations, helped build a Habitat home, aided law enforcement and assisted rodeo athletes through the Resistol Relief Fund.

The event has filled motel rooms and restaurants each year it has come to town. The huge PBR fan base has had the opportunity to meet their heroes in person because the riders spend hours signing autographs for appreciative fans.

This year's Challenge is May 24 at the Posse arena. Brisk ticket sales indicate another outstanding event. Wise Wireless, the exclusive ticket outlet locally, in the Prada Shops on FM 51 in Decatur, reports good ticket sales so far. Tickets are also selling at www.wcchallenger.org and by calling 1-800-514-3849. Tickets are $20 and $25.

As they have for the last four years, organizers plan a spectacular opening ceremony for the 8 p.m. performance. Gates will open at 5:30 p.m.

Riders making an early commitment to the competition include Ross Coleman, Brian Canter, Matt Bohon, J.B. Mauney and Cord McCoy. They will challenge the likes of Cat Man Do, Bonafide, Black Smoke and Savage Shaker.

Hart has been rehabbing for several months to get his body back in world championship form. Known as the "Ironman" of the PBR, Hart has earned more than $1.3 million in his career. He has recently been on some practice bulls but remains questionable for his event. His wife LeeAnn will sing the national anthem.

Concession stands will be manned by the Decatur Youth Fair Buyers Association and The Outlets, Wise Electric Cooperative's Relay for Life team. United Way volunteers will work in the ticket office and at the gate. Souvenir programs will be sold and PBR memorabilia will be available.

The added money from sponsors is responsible for drawing some of the biggest names in PBR.

"We can't thank our sponsors enough," said Young. "We couldn't do it without our sponsors and fans. We appreciate them so much."

O'Neal Distributing of Mineral Wells is the title sponsor.

Young said the goal for WC Challenger Charities this year is to exceed $200,000 raised for charity in five years. Entering the 2008 Challenge, the group has raised more than $170,000.