Triplett qualifies for World Finals rodeo

Columbia Falls bull rider Matt Triplett had a tough road on the professional bull riders circuit this year, but with two decent rides at an event in Florida this weekend, he qualified for the 2013 Built Ford Tough World Finals in Las Vegas on Oct. 23-27.

“It’s probably one of the greatest feelings in my life,” he said. “It hasn’t sunk in yet.”

In his second year as a pro, Triplett, 22, had a good weekend at the Grand Rapids Invitational in Michigan on Sept. 27-28, taking third place and earning $12,000 for three rides.

That event left him ranked 34th in the Professional Bull Riders world standings. The top 35 are eligible for the World Finals.

Triplett, however, didn’t fare so well at the Fort Bragg Wounded Soldier Foundation Invitational in Fayetteville, N.C., on Oct. 3-5. He was bucked off on two rides and failed to score any points. He dropped to 36th in the world rankings.

He did much better at the Cooper Tires Invitational in Hollywood, Fla. on Oct. 11-13, scoring 84.5 and 84 on two rides and coming in 14th overall. That left Triplett in 35th place worldwide and a seat on a bull at the World Finals.

“I have as good a chance at winning as anyone else at the World Finals,” he said. “I earned my spot.”

Triplett, who rode his first bull at the Blue Moon Rodeo grounds in Columbia Falls when he was 10 years old, earned $48,877 in eight events this year.

But it wasn’t easy — he sat out a month and a half this year with a badly sprained wrist.

Professional bull riders ride a different bull each time they leave the chute. Riders must stay on at least eight seconds to score. Judges rate the ride from 1-50 for how well the bull bucks and 1-50 for how well the rider is in control.

The World Finals will be televised on CBS Sports.