Although there weren’t a lot of qualified rides, the first Montezuma County Fair Bull Riding Championships was interesting.

Rodeo contractor Casper Baca had some quality bucking bulls for the cowboys to ride.

Some 36 cowboys from all over Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas tried to stay on for the eight-second count on Saturday, Aug. 5. Only three cowboys accomplished that feat. And the day before out of 16 bull riders, only four stayed on.

The first cowboy on Saturday to stay on was Sean Scalco from Scottsdale, Ariz. He drew Lauglin and got twisted, bucked and turned but rode him out for an 81 score.

Jeff Clifton (hometown unknown) covered his bull, Powder, for a 78. Powder, who had been riden the night before successfully, had Clifton nearly tossed but he regained his balance.

Brad Till of Fruita did not get a fair chance as Red Bluff tossed him at the chute. Till got stepped on and didn’t look like he even wanted a reride. He came back and rode Outcast to an 80.

Several local cowboys got opportunities. Heath Whipple, Ricky McDonald, Levi Lewis, and Chance Tate, all of Cortez, got on their bulls but all were tossed to the dirt floor of the American Legion Post 75 Arena. Several other area cowboys including Windel Belen and Jed Foutz of Kirtland, N.M., and Romeo Maryboy of Fruitland, N.M. were all thrown off.

On Friday night, the first qualified ride was made by Jake Gordanier of Cortez. Gordanier, who had just returned from the National High School Finals Rodeo in Springfield, Ill., drew High Plains. Gordanier scored a 67. He drew a lot of cheers and claps from the large, partial fans in the grand stands.

Novice rider Stetson Herrera of nearby Marvel stayed on Powder and scored a 76. Filbert Batoni of Tsalie, Ariz., covered Fuzzy for the count and scored an 81. Tate Stratton (hometown unknown) stayed on Maverick for a 64.

Jesse Kantola of Mancos drew Rooter but he was tossed to the dirt. Jake Jetter of Cortez hopped on Kansas City but was thrown. Chuck Leighton of Cortez jumped on Laughlin but he bit the dirt.