When your adrenaline is at its peak, the chute opens and it's showtime!
When Eagle Pass' Graviel Maldonado made the decision to TRY this sport, he probably didn't even think that he would be as successful as he has been in his inaugural season on the American Youth Bull Riding Circuit would bring him this much notoriety. His first season found him participating in the Bull Riding Nationals in November.
"He began with a Christian organization where he won Reserve National Champion which qualified him for Nationals," said his proud mother Marisela, "These were held in Ignacio, Colorado."
Maldonado's cross-country trek began in May of last year where he competed throughout the summer months compiling points which, when it was all said and done, Graviel had the point totals to qualify for the State Championships in Andrews, Texas from October 3rd through the 5th where he placed second.
From here he was off to the Southwest Regionals where he won Reserve Champion as well catapulting him into the American Youth Bullriding Finals where he placed in the Top Ten.
"I just make sure my legs are in front of me and that my body stays in front of the bull,"said the newest bullrider on the Texs Christian Jr. Bullriding Association, "My adrenaline is running and I try to zone everything out to concentrate on staying on," and staying on he doesas he is racking up the accolades, accomplishments and achievements.
"He's won four buckles including one from Del Rio in September for the longest ride in the competition," added Mrs. Maldonado who painfully watches her son closely on every ride, rosary in hand.
"I'd like to thank my parents (Marisela and Graviel, Sr.) for supporting me on this quest as well as Tony Gonzlaez who has coached me and showed me everything I know," concluded Maldonado who dreams of one day riding Bushwhacker his favorite bull on the national circuit.
Now the eight seconds of glory are over and it's time to thank this puppy for the ride and time to get off and greet the unsung heroes, Dewey Porter, Larry Gandy, Kameron Backflip Davis, Ryan Scooby Fizer and all the rodeo clowns that work hard every night to protect Graviel and bull riders across the country who 'Cowboy Up!'