Evan Grubaugh, a ten-year-old from Forney, Texas, is set to participate in the International Miniature Bull Riders World Finals 2020 on December 7 through 12. Generally held in Las Vegas, Nevada, the continued COVID-19 pandemic has led to the World Finals for 2020 being relocated just minutes away at the Mesquite Rodeo Arena.
The International Miniature Bullriders Association’s website says that a rider must finish in the top 5 of his or her age group of that series at IMBA sanctioned events to qualify for the World Finals. Evan has gone above and beyond that this year, with an outstanding record. He is the Lone Star High School Rodeo Association Steer Riding Finals Champion & Season Reserve Steer Riding Champion, Calf Riding Finals Champion, and Calf Riding Season Champion. He is the Reserve Finals Champion Junior Bull Rider, Season Reserve Champion Junior Bull Rider, and Top 6 Steer Rider with the Texas Youth Bull Riders. He is a 2020 Wrangler Youth Bull Riders World Finals qualifier. And he is currently sitting in fourth place in the standings with the Cowboys Youth Bull Riders Association. With all of this under his belt for 2020 and coming off of a 2019 trip to the IMBA World Finals, during which he placed 10th in the world out of 4 continents, 7 countries, and the top sixty riders around the world in his age group, it’s no surprise that Evan will be making his second trip to the IMBA’s World Finals next month.
Grubaugh’s success is a result of two things: a lot of hard work and the support of his family and friends. Evan’s coach, Lonnie Austin, has him perform a series of drills, push-ups, and situps every morning before school and again in the evenings, as well as practicing on steer three to four times a week. Evan is also privileged to practice at times with some of his heroes, many of the top 35 bull riders from the Professional Bull Riders (PBR).
His biggest support comes from his Papa and Gigi, Willie and Amy Grubaugh, who never miss a practice and have provided him with a rodeo pen right in their own backyard. Evan would also like to thank his sponsors, Java Junkies Coffee Company, BC Seasonings and Rubs, and Perry Roofing Company Central Texas.
This young bull rider is just getting started. Evan Grubaugh has his goal in mind and his sights set. With the strong work ethic instilled in him by his grandparents, coaches, and mentors, Grubaugh is well on his way to achieving those goals.
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