Local bull riders compete, one seriously injured
Bull riding: Pictured is Matt Michael, one of two riders that participated in Saturday evening’s rodeo event at the Coshocton County Fair. The other rider is Roy Mast, who suffered a serious injury during the event and is a patient at Grant Hospital in Columbus. Beacon photo by Mark Fortune
COSHOCTON – Two rodeo riders from Coshocton County participated in Saturday evening’s event at the Coshocton County Fair. Both young men have been a part of bull riding for several years – one, Roy Mast, suffered a serious and life threatening injury during the event and is a patient at Grant Hospital. Sources told The Beacon that on Sunday he was able to hold his father’s hand. Following transport to Coshocton Hospital, Mast was flown to Grant by Med Flight. The event was paused for a prayer for Roy.
Matt Michael, who just turned 19, is the other rider from Coshocton County and said this about what he does, “I enjoy the rush and athleticism it takes to ride a bull. I had some buddies that started doing it and I got into it.” Michael graduated from Coshocton High School where he participated in wrestling and played football. When asked about how it feels to ride in front of a hometown crowd, he said, “It makes you nervous. It’s a whole different world when you’re in front of everybody you know. It makes it harder to ride, it really does.”
Michael said he thinks, “It’s the toughest sport on dirt.” Michael runs, lifts and rides bulls every week. That’s the best thing you can do.”
“We do this all year long.” I’ve covered several bulls – in bull riding parlance that means an eight second ride. “That eight seconds feels like all day.”
Michael said he was going to keep Roy and his family in his prayers. “I’ve seen injuries – it happens but not very often. We see more bumps and bruises than the big injuries.”
Michael said about being bucked off the bull, “You don’t really feel anything; you just know you gotta get out of there right away especially when they start turning back and coming at you.”
Michael said the folks that set up the event, “Pat, who sets this up, is a great guy. He is a very down to earth man and I really like riding in this series.”
“I plan on doing this as long as I can, until my body won’t let me. Thanks to the people of Coshocton for coming out and supporting me, and I know that Roy (Mast) appreciates it too.”
mark@coshoctoncountybeacon.com
Category: Arts & Entertainment
