Mighty Midwest's finest

   People traditionally think cowboys reside in Texas, Montana, or Wyoming. Although, as rodeo fans know cowboys are born and breed most often anywhere. One such cowboy is Justin Koon. Koon resides in the natural state of Arkansas and is part of the elite bull riders from the Midwest. Koon has started to shine here of late in the Built Ford Tough Series, however, Koon began riding in the PBR BFTS in 2006 with his first event being in Billings, Montana...were he credits only being awarded with a separated shoulder.
    Justin is no stranger to injuries though for a devastating blow almost cost Koon's his life. In the summer of 1999 Koon collided head first with a bull fracturing his skull. Doctors told Koon's parents to prepare for the worst...Miraculous Koon's survived and a long road of recovery was underway.
    As fans know though, nothing will knock a cowboy down. Riding is always in his blood. So in 2004 Justin won big at an amateur circuit finals and went on to buy his Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association Permit.
     Since then Justin has traveled to countless rodeos and recently has become quite the buzz amongst the elite bull riders of the PBR. Koon considers his success a blessing and only hopes to see it continue on. Justin said in an interview with Rodeo Chat that he would love to go against Asteroid. A bull slated for a Bull of the Year nomination and possible win. He also said he would like to face Bushwacker which is the reigning Bull of the Year in the PBR.
    This weekend down in Arlington, Koon and the rest of the cowboys will be placed in a bracket format against each other and their bulls. This creates a ride to stay alive attitude. For if a cowboy gets passed his first bull, he gets another, and another until it two cowboys, two bulls, and only one will walk away the PBR Iron Cowboy. With as on fire as Koon is he could easily be one of the final contenders. Although, Rookie Chase Outlaw might still have a small bit of fire underneath him from his win last weekend.
     What Justin needs to remember is that in each elimination it is just him and the bull. His first match up is against Rocky Mountain Elk Foundations Gunpowder and Lead. According to PBR.com this bovine athlete comes from Reigning stock contractor of the year Jeff Robinson and is consider highly rideable with 100 percent of the cowboys climbing on his back making the 8 second buzzer. The average score given to him is 44.50 which means Justin could score rather good against him.
    So, from all the fans of Rodeo Chat we wish Justin Koon's the best of Luck this weekend at Iron Cowboy 3. We know you can do it JUSTIN!