It’s been quite a ride for Columbia Falls native Matt Triplett. The 22-year-old professional bull rider has had a sensational season, finishing ninth at the PBR World Finals and earning a slot at “the biggest rodeo in the world.”
Triplett qualified for his first World Finals in December along with 89 other riders from around the world. The PBR rookie battled through 8 seconds in the first section of the opening round and earned a score of 80.25 points. According to PBR organizers, he drew the first standing ovation of the event in Las Vegas. Triplett finished the World Finals in ninth place.
After the Las Vegas event, Jim Haworth, the PBR chairman and CEO, had this to say about the Columbia Falls rider in a news story by PBR:
“I think this kid’s an up-and-comer and he’s handled the bright lights of Vegas really well. He kept his head down and said, ‘let’s just go ride bulls’ and not just ride them, but ride them well.”
The big turnout in Vegas vaulted Triplett, who is ranked 26th in the nation, to “The American,” a major event offering $1 million up for grabs for riders.
“This is an opportunity of a lifetime for guys to make career-earnings in one day,” said Riley Lambert, rodeo event manager for “The American,” in a PBR story.
“It’s a gift and it’s going to be nice to see a young kid like (Triplett) get a chance to ride for money like that, that he’s never gotten to ride for in one day. I’m excited for him and other guys who have qualified to ride in a venue like that.”
The American is slated for March 24 in Arlington, Texas.