Parker McCown, Montgomery, Texas, riding Outer Limits for 90.75 score and the win at the season opener of the Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding Tour. in Hobbs, NM.
Capturing his first Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding title, National Finals Rodeo qualifier, Parker McCown was the only bull rider to go 3 for 3 in the Lea County Events Center on a chilly Saturday night in Hobbs, New Mexico.
The Montgomery, Texas cowboy had this to say about his perfect night in Hobbs.
"This was my first Tuff Hedeman win. I've been in several final fours but have never had the opportunity to win one," said Texas cowboy.
Tuff Hedeman welcomes NFR qualifier Parker McCown to the season opener of the Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding tour in Hobbs, NM
The competition was a nail-biter with 18 qualified rides and several within striking distance of the 8-second whistle as the leader board changed with each round.
"The 3 rounds are tough but you feel victorious at the end, three bulls back to back is tiring and takes a toll on your mental and physical side, you have to stay strong and keep the faith and I was blessed to get the win," added a humble McCown.
Wearing Rock N Roll Denim Jeans, McCown picked up the additional $2,000 bonus from Panhandle while outlasting 23 of his peers through the grueling three rounds of competition. Bringing the fans to their feet in the final Shoot Out round, McCown earned the championship title a 90.75 ride score aboard _to win to the $18, 250 price check that accompanied the title of the Hobbs Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding.
After being sidelined for six months with a right shoulder injury at his first National Finals Rodeo in 2020, bull rider Parker McCown is headed in the right direction since his return to bull riding competition in the summer of 2021.
With 11 qualified rides in round one and 4 more riding for 7 seconds plus, Maverick Potter took the lead with an 89.75 aboard 638 Chanler's Mule from Universal Pro Rodeo. McCown started his night with an 88.5 on #51 Red Armor (Burruss Bucking Bulls). McCown shared the 88.5 score with NFR qualifier Tim Bingham, Kase Hitt, and Ouncie Michell. Tyler Kipps, Trey Kimzey, Riggin Shippy, Cole Fischer, John Crimber, and Jeff Lambert rounded out the qualified rides in round one to advance to the second round of the tournament-style format.
Maverick Potter, round 1 winner aboard Chanler’s Mule
The Semifinal round pitted the top 11 qualified rides from round one and three additional riders, Tyce Willis, Colton Byrum, and Pablo Belmares advanced on time ridden for another bull and a shot to make it to the final four round and stay in the hunt for a share of the $30,000..
The bull riders were on their game riding six in the semifinal round with McCown leading the pack with 89 points aboard #402 East Side from T & G Bucking Bulls. Ouncie Michel was second with an 87.75 followed by Maverick Potter's 87.5. Cole Fischer, John Crimber, and Tim Bingham rounded out the scores with 85.25, and a pair of 84.5's respectively.
With six qualified rides on two bulls, the top 4 average scores would advance to the Shoot Out round. McCown edged out Potter by half a point for the number one pick of bulls with 177.5 on two. He selected #505 Outer Limits.
"I'd seen that bull several times at rodeos and I knew he would probably fit me. He was always pretty showy and up and under himself and that's what I like," said McCown about his selection.
Maverick Potter, ,Ounzie Mitchell, and Tim Bingham rounded out the final four but each bucked off before the whistle leaving McCown left to ride. In Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding format, a qualified ride score was all that was needed to win the event. With the bull bucking into his hand, Parker's prediction of the bull fitting him was obvious from the gate pull as he did more than just ride, thrilled the crowd with his 90.5 ride to win his first Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding.
HOBBS RESULTS
1, Parker McCowan, Montgomery, TX, 268.25 on 3 head, $18,250. 2, Maverick Potter, Waxahachie, TX, 177.25 on 3, $2,250. 3, Ounzie Mitchell, Houston, TX, 176.25 on 2, $2250. 4, Tim Bingham, Honeygrove, UT, 173 on 3, $2250.
Universal Pro Rodeo and Chance Mahon wins Hobbs Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding Team with 282.28 points and a check for $24,500! Congrats.
BULL TEAM RESULTS
1, Universal Pro Rodeo and Chance McMahon, 282.28, $24,000. 2, Danny Mason Bucking Bulls, 282.25, $17,500. 3, Scott Burrus, 282.03, $13,300. 4, Mike Rawson, 276.03, $9800.
Universal Pro Rodeo’s winning bull team member, Cole Fischer on Chanler’s Dream