Bull riding event to benefit injured teen
When former professional bull rider Nathan Tull decided to hold a benefit bull riding in Edmond f or the Union City teen seriously injured in the National High School Finals Rodeo, his phone immediately began ringing.
“The cowboy community is a pretty tight-knit group,” Tull said. “My phone has been ringing off the wall from people who want to help.”
Lukasey Morris, 17, suffered a head injury last month when he hit the ground after being bucked off in the bull riding short round at the National High School Finals Rodeo at the Lazy E Arena.
On Sunday in the Carl Benne Arena Morrison 300
N Kelly, home of the Edmond Round Up Club, a benefit bull riding event will be held with proceeds going to help pay Lukasey's medical bills.
“Everyone is donating their time and everybody pays,” Tull said. “I am going to pay when I go through the gate. We are all just going to pitch in and put $10 in the pot from the word go.”
Tickets for the event are $10 at the gate for adults and $5 for ages 4 through 13.
The bull riding will begin at 9 a.m. with junior bulls for riders ages 6 to 18 in four divisions. The top two from each division will advance to the Open bull riding for all ages, which will begin at 1 p.m.
Dozens of donated items also will be auctioned Sunday afternoon to raise money, including hunting and fishing trips, outdoor gear, l eatherworks, rodeo gear, home decor and more.
More than 50 bull riders will be competing on Sunday. There were so many local bull riders who wanted to be a part of the benefit that Tull had to turn some away.
Tull ,41, was the International Professional Rodeo Association's bull riding champion in 2007 and Bull nanza winner in 2008. Tull admired Lukasey's dad, pro bull rider Jimmy Morris, growing up and the two bull riders later became friends.
“There is a million other people who got a special place in their heart for Lukasey,” Tull said. “He is a real quiet, well-spoken kid that is a phenomenal bull rider. You just can't help but like him.”