Miller Lite Bull Bash set for tonight

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Regional bull riders look to stand out in tonight’s annual Miller Lite Bull Bash at the Horseman’s Sports Arena in Mitchell.

Thirty-four entries have been made for the event including three contestants who have won the bash in previous years. Shawn Coleman, of Springfield; Charles Zoss, of Forestburg; and Tater Hins, of Huron; are all back for another shot at the title.

North Dakotan Abe Dillman, winner of the Corn Palace Stampede Rodeo bull riding contest, is also among the group tonight.

“A lot of these guys and their talents are recognizable to people in the rodeo community,” Bull Bash Committee member Jimmie Nicolaus said. “We have some great pairings between riders and bulls, and it has good potential to be an exciting event.”

In addition, five riders have connections to Mitchell Technical Institute’s rodeo group. Current MTI students in the event are Duffy Ducheneux, of Wagner; Duffy Dupris, of Timber lake; and Ty Traversie, of Timber lake.

MTI alumni Derek Long and Travis Pollard are also making a run at the title tonight.

“We have 95 percent of the riders from South Dakota,” Nicolaus said.

Other participants are from surrounding states North Dakota and Nebraska.

The first round will showcase all 34 bull riders with $6,400 in prize money given out to the best six riders.

In addition to the initial prize money, the top six will compete in a bonus round. Another $2,000 in prize money will be awarded to the top three riders of the final round.

“Our event uses a unique format,” Nicolaus said. “I don’t know of any other event that gives the riders an extra run at winning more prize money.”

The Miller Lite Bull Bash is set for 7:30 p.m. at the Horseman’s Sports Arena in Mitchell.

Tags: sports, updates, bull, bash, rodeo, mitchell