Della Guidry
February 12, 2008
Robert Mike
February 14, 2008Tammy Usie has to chuckle when asked about the meaning behind the name of the Red Fish Rental Fear No Evil Bull Riding Challenge.
In some ways, the moniker sums up its participants.
“I think the name is derived from the fact that these cowboys are a little crazy,” quipped Usie, spokesperson for the seventh edition of the event which will be held Friday and Saturday, Feb. 15 and 16, at the Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center. “You have to have no fear to be able to get on something that weighs a ton, hates you and wants to crush you.”
Ornery bulls might make for a bumpier ride, but they also help produce a more exciting show.
The proof is in the numbers. Fear No Evil sold out four consecutive years and had to be expanded to two nights to accommodate the masses.
“It’s extreme entertainment,” Usie explained. “It’s all about watching these cowboys challenge themselves and challenge the bull, and people really get a kick out of it.”
Fear No Evil will welcome 80 cowboys from around the country and 100 bucking bulls throughout the weekend.
A lot of attention will be directed at Tim Josey, last year’s winner. The 24-year-old Raceland resident finished with the highest average among 40 riders.
“I guess I had the hometown advantage,” Josey admitted.
Nonetheless, it’s hard to get any true advantage in bull riding, a sport that could arguably be considered the most dangerous in the world.
Since starting on calves at 7 before moving up to steers over time and eventually becoming a professional two years ago, Josey has sustained multiple injuries.
“I broke my femur twice, broke both of my collarbones at one time and broke my ankle,” he said. “I have pins in my ankle right now.”
But Josey will push through the pain.
After all, he has a title to defend.
“This sport is like NASCAR in the way that nobody wants to see anyone get hurt, but at the same time, they don’t want to miss (seeing) it,” Josey described.
In addition to bull riding, Fear No Evil festivities will include an opening ceremony, calf scramble, barrel man/rodeo clown Rockin’ Robbie Hodges, a team of bullfighters and the pop sounds of the Good Feelin’s Band, which will close the event with a concert on Saturday night.
Concessions will include hamburgers, hot dogs, pizza, nachos, popcorn and soft drinks.
Tickets can be purchased at the civic center box office or through Ticketmaster by calling 1-800-488-5252 or visiting ticketmaster.com.
“This is such a great event because we keep it fun for families,” Usie said. “This is so much more exciting than going to a play or concert. You cheer on the cowboys and want to see them succeed.”
At all costs.
“It’s entertaining to watch a good ride and to see the crashes as well,” Usie added. “It’s kind of fun to see the cowboys fall off and watch the bull spin and go crazy.”
