By Dennis Morgan
Co-Publisher
For Papillion’s Dawson Heinert, the first score was the best score.
Heinert outdueled his brother and 20 other bull riders Friday night to win the annual Elgin Ko-ed Group (EKG) Bull A Rama
It was nearly a perfect night for rodeo as more than 300 persons gathered around the arena to watch all the action. And the bull riders did not disappoint.
From the first time the gate opened in the long go-round till the last bull rider picked himself off the ground, the bulls dominated the action.
In all, just five riders made it out of the long go-round to the short go-round.
Heinert said he was glad for the opportunity to come and compete here in Elgin. He said he’s been a bull rider for 10 years and relishes the opportunity to compete against some of the best riders from across the state.
Also, he said McKay Rodeo (which supplied the bulls for this year’s event) has a great reputation for providing quality bulls for events such as this.
In addition to the purse, he was also presented with some fancy spurs in celebration of his victory.
Presenting the spurs was EKG member/prize sponsor Ted Baum.
Finishing second was Garrett Heinert with a 76. Other scores were Seth Vales and Ben Wood each with 74s and Dodge Daniel scored a 70.
Kevin Erb was seriously injured in the long go-round. He landed awkwardly after being thrown by the bull, breaking his leg. He was taken to an area hospital by the Elgin Rescue Squad.
Prior to the start, children competed in Mutton Bustin’ and many a child showed their talents that, one day, they too could be bull riders seeking eight seconds of glory.
Bullriders and sponsors
Other bull riders and their home towns as well as sponsors were:
Seth Vales, Wisner (Eric & Lacey Vanis)
Kevin Erb, Brookings, S.D. (Diamond C Cattle Co.)
Kelby Prince, Carroll (Clearwater Concert Committee)
Jensen Rabbe, Wayne (Larry & Tammy Starman)
Cody Bodenkamp, Broken Bow (Dave Gossman Construction)
Dalton Sweley, Blue Hill (KBRX Radio)
Will Stabler, Wayne (Bode Hay, Ted & Jerry Bode)
Preston Bussy, Battle Creek (Pelster Brothers, Ralph, Junior, Billy & Matt)
Robert Layton, Norfolk (Ultra Sort)
Jake Casper, Norfolk (Cody Bode Trucking)
Robert Hoppe, Norfolk (Jake Bode)
Garrett Heinert, Papillion (Koenig Hay, Jason & Kerri Koenig)
Dawson Heinert, Papillion (Selting Farms)
Tate Schoemaker, O’Neill (Schindler Heating & Air, Jordan Schindler)
Victor Kneichie, no town listed (Schindler Ag Services, Jake & Ross Schindler)
Ben Wood, Greeley (Dan & Kim Zwingman)
Dodge Daniel, Scotia (Echo Electric, Bud & Bethany Miller)
Alex Berney, Spalding (Beckman Trucking)
Michael Kneichie, no town listed (Curt & Amy Thiele)
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