Bulls and bull riders from the Southern Extreme Bull Riders Association entertained a packed house Jan. 22-23 during the Shelby County Extreme Bulls Challenge at the Shelby County Exhibition Center in Columbiana.

For the most part, the bulls had the upper hand. However, riders from Mississippi did provide a few highlights and rodeo clowns Jake Wilcox of Athens, Ga., and Woody Woodruff of Fort Smith, Ark., kept the crowd entertained.

Greg Hall of Cary, Miss., took home the $500 grand prize Jan. 23 after staying on his bull for eight seconds during both of his qualifying attempts as he racked up 168 total points. Cody McLean of Moultrie, Ga., finished second Jan. 23 as he posted 164 total points, including a score of 81 on the final ride of the night.

Caleb Kelly of Mathiston, Miss., had the most success during the two-day event. Kelly, who won the $500 grand prize Jan. 22, stayed on top of his bull for eight seconds during three of his four qualifying attempts during the weekend.

There were also a few serious moments during the Jan. 23 event. Dillon Black of Stephenville, Texas, fell off his bull shortly after it left the gate and was caught underneath the animal. Black was trampled by the back feet of the bull for nearly two seconds and remained on the dirt surface motionless for approximately three minutes.

Wilcox and Woodruff kept the crowd calm as the Southeast Shelby County Rescue squad attended to Black in the ring. Black walked out of the ring minutes later to a standing ovation as Wilcox commented “(Black) doesn’t think the weather is too good here in Wisconsin.”

The event included two well-known bulls. A bull named Star featured at the exhibition center was recently selected as the “Bucking Bull of the Year” by the Professional Cowboys Association. Another bull had been featured in past Professional Bull Riding events.

The event was presented by Ryan Davis’ Rockin D’ Rodeo Productions and was sponsored by Cafe Firenze, Ruff and Tuff Outdoors and the Chelsea Animal Hospital. The Vincent High School ROTC presented the colors before the event.