Tag: news

Marcus Mast Claims Victory at PBR Grand Rapids, Securing First Velocity Tour Win

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – In a thrilling display of grit and determination, Marcus Mast of Middlebury, Indiana, emerged victorious at the PBR (Professional Bull Riders) Grand Rapids event, held inside the electrifying Van Andel Arena. With the dirt settled and the dust cleared, Mast stood atop the leaderboard, capturing his first Velocity Tour event title of the season.

The seasoned rider started strong on Friday night during Round 1 of the Pendleton Whisky Velocity Tour competition. He delivered a solid 72-point ride atop The Frey (Mike Miller Bucking Bulls), securing a fourth-place finish in the opening round. Determined to build on his performance, Mast returned to the chutes in Round 2, where he successfully conquered Helena’s Pet (J Bar W) for 77 points, positioning himself as a top contender heading into the championship round.

With the pressure mounting and the championship within reach, Mast delivered his best performance of the weekend in the final round. He electrified the crowd with an event-high 85-point ride on Dr. Campbell (Nancy Haverty/Clay Struve/Dakota Rodeo/Chad Berger), sealing his victory and catapulting to the top of the leaderboard. This landmark win not only marked his first-ever Velocity Tour event triumph but also secured him 120 coveted Velocity Global points, propelling him up the season standings.

Podium Finishers Showcase Consistency and Skill

Finishing second was Cody Teel of College Station, Texas, who showcased remarkable consistency throughout the event. Teel’s campaign began with a strong 74.5-point ride on Foul Play (J Bar W) in Round 1, followed by an identical 74.5-point effort on Real OG (Dave Martin/Mike Miller Bucking Bulls) in Round 2. He carried that momentum into the championship round, where he delivered an 83.5-point ride on Ponotoc (Dakota Rodeo/Chad Berger), ensuring a perfect weekend and earning 80.5 Velocity Global points.

Claiming third place was Cody McCandless of Derry, Pennsylvania. McCandless got off to a solid start in Round 1, conquering Chainsaw (Mike Miller Bucking Bulls) for 73 points. He then surged up the rankings in Round 2 with an impressive 83.5-point ride on Jillian (J Bar W), positioning himself for a potential event title. In the final round, McCandless managed a 75-point ride on Peanut Butter Falcon (Clay Stuve/Dakota Rodeo/Chad Berger), securing his place on the podium and earning 71 Velocity Global points.

Rounding Out the Top 5

Fourth place went to Bob Mitchell of Steelville, Missouri, who made a strong push for the title. He kicked off the event with a round-winning 84.5-point ride on Maximus (Dakota Rodeo/Chad Berger). In Round 2, Mitchell kept the momentum going with an 82.5-point effort on Say Your Prayers (C Check Bucking Bulls). However, his championship aspirations were dashed in the final round when he bucked off Catching Gears (C-B Bucking Bulls) in just 3.17 seconds. Despite the setback, he secured 66 Velocity Global points.

Hometown favorite Matt Allgood of Saline, Michigan, rounded out the Top 5 with an impressive comeback. After being bucked off by Nahewdak (Dave Martin/Mike Miller Bucking Bulls) in just 3.17 seconds during Round 1, Allgood rebounded in Round 2 with a 79-point ride on Duffy (C Check Bucking Bulls), earning a spot in the championship round. There, he showcased his resilience with an 83.5-point ride on First Class (Dave Martin/Mike Miller Bucking Bulls), earning 47 Velocity Global points for his efforts in front of the home-state crowd.

Bull of the Event Honors Shared

In the highly competitive bull pen, Best Bet (C-B Bucking Bulls) and Pocket Change (J Bar W) each delivered standout performances, earning matching 43.5-point scores to share the prestigious Bull of the Event title.

While the Pendleton Whisky Velocity Tour delivered electrifying action in Grand Rapids and Tulsa, Oklahoma, the elite Unleash The Beast series captivated fans in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, at PPG Paints Arena. As the season progresses, riders continue to chase Velocity Global points, which determine their path to the elite Unleash The Beast tour and a coveted spot at the PBR World Finals in May.

Thousands attend Trump Vance Campaign in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Grand Rapids, Michigan – Thousands of supporters of former United States president Donald Trump crowded the streets of downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan arena district on Saturday July 20, 2024 waiting for the doors to open to attend Trump’s first campaign since announcing running mate JD Vance, a senator from Ohio. The campaign rally also took place one week after an assassination attempt on Trump in Butler PA.

The lengthy line to get into the event was close to two miles long at one point. As people waited the excited crowd remanded peaceful and chants of TRUMP! TRUMP! TRUMP! and USA! USA! USA! Could be heard echoing in between the buildings on the streets.

Many people attending had their own reasons for attending the rally, but all wanted to see Donald J Trump a man that they consider the savior of America.

Paul Teatro of Holland, Michigan just wanted to see Trump.

“We, you know, we’ve been inspired by everything that’s happened to him. And we obviously believe that he’s the only chance we have to turn the country around,” Teatro Said. “Trump’s the only guy that could stand up against all the resistance that he gets, think about eight years of just going after him relentlessly in the press, everywhere. And here he is still standing still with his chin out saying, we’re going to turn this thing around. So who else could do that?”

When asked about what policies attracts him to Trump Teatro said,” What policy attracts you? Oh, there’s a whole slew of them. I think what he did with the economy was incredible. What he did with securing the border was also incredible. No wars. You know, being energy independent. You know, all those things, I think are and you know, the thing that always gets me as you listen to you turn on the TV and you hear these people, Trump’s gonna kill democracy as like, hang on kids. Trump was our president for four years, and it was everything in our country was better than it is today. So pick, pick it, pick a category. It’s better today than it was. It’s better when Trump was president than it is today.”

Aaron Staeven of Newago, Michigan was also there to show his support of Trump Staeven said he is worried about the economy and immigration.

“Our current administration and Democrat Party is just destroying the whole economy by mandating electric vehicles, no gas stoves, things like that. Some of the core principles our country works around on the we live off these items and they’re trying to delete them,” Staeven said, “And as far as the immigration if we can’t allow millions of millions of undocumented immigrants, that many of them do not support the economy they they’re not able to fill decent positions are a drain on our social systems.”

Arriving late Hedi Newton of Jenison, Michigan sat across the street from the arena knowing that there was no way that she was getting into to see Trump. Yet she still wanted to show her support.

Newton was a die hard Obama fan said, “. I think it was weird because I really liked him and he kind of brought our country together. But then I realized that we were falling apart. And since I’ve seen the Democratic Party come into fruition, they’ve done nothing for us.”

When I asked Newton about reproductive rights her eyes began to tear up as she said. “Thank you for asking. It means a lot to me. I actually had two abortions in my life. I don’t agree with that it’s bad, not okay. Makes me sick what I did. I vote for Trump all the way because he is with Jesus Christ.

The issues of immigration, border security and the economy were the two main issues people that brought up the most. The colors of red, white and blue along with the red MEGA “Make America Great Again” Hats brought them together.

Thrilling PBR Bull Riding Event Takes Grand Rapids, Michigan by Storm Friday Night


Grand Rapids, Mi-Following his triumphant win at the Pendleton Whisky Velocity Tour (PWVT) in Charleston, West Virginia, Marco Rizzo of Quitman, Georgia, is taking the lead after the opening round of the Tractor Supply Co. Professional Bull Riders (PBR) event in Grand Rapids. Ranked No. 1 in the Velocity Global standings, Rizzo showcased his skills by conquering Air Shift from Mike Miller Bucking Bulls, earning a round-winning score of 87 points on Friday night. This victory extended his lead in the standings, garnering an impressive 28 Velocity Global points.

Qynn Andersen, representing Koumala, Queensland, Australia, secured the second position in Round 1. Teaming up with Cash Goblin from Dave Martin/Mike Miller Bucking Bulls, Andersen thrilled the crowd with an 85.5-point ride, adding 18 points to his Velocity Global standings.

The last spot on the podium currently belongs to Hunter Ball of Carsonville, Michigan. With the support of his home state fans at The Van Andel Arena, Ball successfully rode Down N Dirty from C Check Bucking Bulls for the requisite 8 seconds, earning 85 points. The 17 Velocity Global points propelled him to the fourth position in the standings.

The Tractor Supply Co. PBR event, hosted at The Van Andel Arena, home to the Grand Rapids Griffins Ice Hockey team, is currently underway. The arena, typically known for ice hockey, has transformed into a battleground for thrilling PBR action. The final round is set to return on Saturday night, promising more intense matchups between skilled riders and powerful bulls. As the competition heats up, Grand Rapids remains the epicenter of this adrenaline-pumping event, captivating audiences with the fearless spirit of bull riding.

PBR Pendleton Whisky Velocity Tour

Tractor Supply Co. PBR Grand Rapids
Van Andel Arena – Grand Rapids, Michigan

Event Leaders (Round 1-Round 2-Round 3-Event Aggregate-Event Points)

1. Marco Rizzo, 87-0-0-87.00-28 Points.

2. Qynn Andersen, 85.5-0-0-85.50-18 Points

3. Hunter Ball, 85-0-0-85.00-17 Points.

4. Grayson Cole, 84.5-0-0-84.50-16 Points.

5. Rubens Barbosa, 83.5-0-0-83.50-15 Points.

6. Tyler Manor, 83-0-0-83.00-14 Points.

7. Jean Fernandes Pereira, 81.5-0-0-81.50-13 Points.

8. Cody McCandless, 78.5-0-0-78.50-4 Points.