Saddle up
Hall looking to climb back to the top of SuperBull Series
By Matt “It’s MillerTime” Miller
Dustin Hall relishes the term “champion.” The Missouri native is a two-time world champion and knows what it’s like being at the top of the totem pole. Currently outside the top 10 in the SuperBull Series, Hall is looking up at his competition and continues to eye the coveted title of SuperBull Champion.
“It doesn’t get any better than an event that features man against beast,” said Hall, a six-time Professional Bull Riders World Champion (PBR) qualifier, most recently in 2007. “The honors and accolades are nice, but the 2010 season isn’t any different than the previous 18 years. It’s all quite the same — I’m just looking to get better.”
Beginning earlier this month, the 2010 SuperBull Series began earlier this month and has already visited Albuquerque, N.M., and Cape Girardeau, Mo. The series stops at Wells Fargo Arena on Friday, Jan. 29 and Saturday, Jan. 30 as part of the 11-city North American tour that also visits cities like Albany, Grand Rapids, Tacoma and Roanoke. Riders are competing for more than $200,000 in prize money.
“The season didn’t get off to a great start,” said Hall, recalling the season’s two previous events. “I rode for six seconds, and the goal is eight, so I didn’t do very well. I just couldn’t stay up with him.”
Conquering such a monstrous beast isn’t easy. Hall is still looking for the elusive 100-point ride. According to the PBR, Chris Shivers holds the career record with 82 90-point rides since 1998. Renato Nunes holds the record for highest score ever at 95.75. The highest score Hall has received is 93.
“I’ve never seen a 100-point ride in my life,” Hall said. It’s virtually impossible. The highest I’ve seen is 96.5, which was phenomenal. If you score in the 90s, you’re doing really well.”
Going up against some of the nation’s rowdiest bucking bulls that are handpicked to ride, Hall says he enjoys the challenge of riding an angry animal whose mentality is to buck you off.
“I admit I’m a little scared when I mount the bull,” said Hall, who is 5’9” and 145 lbs. “When they turn on the music and the crowd starts cheering, it’s upbeat and exciting. These bulls are bred to buck so you have to hang on for dear life. The whole event is like a rock and roll environment.”
When it comes to the audience interaction, Hall says you never know what’s going to happen.
“The event reaches all types of people,” he said. “When people come to the event, they want to see people run over by the bulls — they like the possibility of someone getting hurt or riding the full eight seconds. It’s one extreme or the other.”
With six more events on the SuperBull schedule before the finale, Hall believes he has his work cut out for him.
“I’m coming to Des Moines to ride the bull for a full eight seconds,” he said. “If I can do that, I’m one step closer to making my way back to the top.”
Locker Room note: The Perry Area Chamber of Commerce will host the 33rd Annual BBR — Bike Ride to Rippey — which will take place on Feb. 6. The 24-mile round trip from Perry to Rippey and back, begins and ends at McCreary Community Center, 1800 Pattee St. Breakfast is served from 7 to 10:30 a.m., registration is from 8 to 10 a.m. The event is open to all ages. Pre-register ($35) at www.bikeiowa.com or return forms to the Perry Area Chamber of Commerce. Visit www.perryiowa.org. CV
Caption: While $505,540 in career earnings is nice, Dustin Hall wants the title of SuperBull Champion. Photo courtesy of Mark Scott
