Triplett wins state bullriding title

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Matt Triplett won the state high school bull riding title last weekend.

Triplett, a Columbia Falls sophomore, went into the state competition with 70 points he accumulated from district finals the week before.

Triplett scored a 77 on Friday on a bull called Orange Crush and an 82 on Saturday in the short round to take the title. He explained he got a re-ride in the second round, but fell off. That dropped him to third in the standings going into the short round, but the two riders that could beat him fell off their bulls.

He was tied with two other riders going into the state finals -- J.D. Harold and Nevada Newman --so he knew he needed to do well to nab the championship.

Triplett has now qualified for nationals July 21-26 in Farmington, N.M.

He said he feels like he's got a good shot at making a mark in his first trip to national competition. One thing is for certain, the weather promises to be warm, real warm.

"It's going to be hot down there," he said.

Triplett started riding bulls when he was 12. His father, Pat, is a former bullrider and is now a horse trainer. They have a pen out in front of the house where Matt practices riding bulls.

He also does weight training and runs everyday except Sundays to stay in condition.

Triplett also plays basketball for Columbia Falls. He was a guard and wing for the JV team last year and suited up for a couple of varsity games as well.

He likes both sports but enjoys bull riding the most.

"I'm better at (bull riding). I can make it farther in life," he said. If he keeps up the success he's had, colleges will offer scholarships to ride.

Triplett's ride rate is about 85 percent right now and he's avoided injury.

"I've only been stepped on once," he said. "Knock on wood. I haven't been hurt."

The idea of bullriding is fairly simply in theory. You get on a bull, and try to stay on for eight seconds holding on with just one hand holding a rope. The other hand must remain free and not touch the bull.

A good bull, Triplett notes, should spin and buck with his feet above his head. Good ones just know what to do once that gate opens, he said.

For winning state Triplett won a belt buckle and a nice saddle -- a different sort of prize for a sport where no saddle is used. Triplett shrugs.

"Maybe I'll start team roping," he said.