Rodeo: Next man up

Toren putting in work to follow  Flathead Valley bull riders’ footsteps

When it comes to bull riding, the Flathead Valley has recently produced some of the best.

Beau Hill, who is nearing the end of his illustrious career, has been a participant at the PRCA National Finals Rodeo three times. He’s also been to the Professional Bull Riders Finals four times.

He turned 36 in February.

Then there is young Matt Triplett. The 23-year-old has quickly emerged as one of the top performers on the PBR circuit in his fourth year as a pro. He’s currently No. 2 in the world standings and has been to the National Finals.

Both are from Columbia Falls.

Now there is a 15-year-old soft-spoken cowboy from Kalispell who would like to follow their lead — Tyrell Toren, a sophomore to be at Glacier High School.

“Hopefully,” he said of some day of matching their success.

“I’d like to try ... I’ll do my best.

“I wanna go pro when I get older, fully commit myself to that. My parents and my whole family support me. My dad has always said this is what I’m made for.”

So far, Toren is enjoying the ride.

He entered the Montana High School Rodeo State Finals this week at Majestic Valley Arena maxed out in points (70) for his rookie season. He was just one of seven cowboys to do that this spring.

“Top four,” he said of his goal at state.

“I’ll try to be No. 1. That’s what you always try for.”

His first prep win was at Conrad in mid-April. He maxed out in points at a Choteau rodeo in early May.

“A little bit, actually,” he said of being surprised with the success he has achieved to date.

“But I’ve been working hard at it. It feels good to get those rides under your belt.”

The top four from the State Finals advance to the National High School Finals Rodeo in Rock Springs, Wyoming, July 12-18.

Toren’s rodeo career began four years ago. He started with local rodeos and later competed in junior high school events.

“My dad use to do it,” he said of why he became a bull rider.

“I like the adrenalin rush and it’s a lot of fun.”

Fear is something that never crosses his mind — in the chute or when he’s on a bull in the arena.

“I get nervous sometimes,” he said.

“That’s about it.

“It’s 90 percent mental, 10 percent physical,” he went on.

“That’s what my dad said. You have to have a clear head. If you don’t, you can get yourself hurt.”

And pain is part of the game.

The 5-foot-7, 140-pounder has had surgery on his right knee, dislocated his left shoulder seven times — and counting, cracked a bone in his left wrist, pulled two tendons in his right elbow and has had at least six concussions.

“My mom said I can’t ride with a cowboy hat any more,” he said.

“I ride with a helmet now.”

He’s competed with the helmet the last three years.

“Get on and go,” he said of his philosophy.

“If you’re thinking about it (concussions), it’s too late.”

Last April in Shelby a bull nearly ended his season at a junior high rodeo.

“Stepped on the back of my head, knocked me out and gave me a concussion,” Toren said.

“A lot of people thought I hurt my neck. I just had a bad concussion.”

What hurts even more is not making an eight-second ride for a score.

“Upset with myself,” he said of how he feels when he gets bucked off.

“I don’t care what score I get, or what place I get, as long as I get to ride the bull I’m happy.

“It’s never easy, or simple,” he continued.

“It’s always hard work. You have to keep practicing or you will get bucked off.”

Toren is also competing in the saddle bronc at the State Finals. This is his first year in that rough stock event.

“Not enough rides under my belt,” he said to be a contender.

“It took me awhile to get my technique down.”

He did attend a bronc riding school in December to get him started.

“That taught me the basics,” he said.

“I didn’t do very good. They had some rank horses, but I had a lot of fun.

“I look at it as a new challenge,” he said.

“It looked like a classy event. I like classy rides. I thought I’d try it out.

“I love it,” he added.

“It’s a lot of fun. I’m having a blast with it.”

And the best part of all of this ...

“Hanging out with friends and family,” he said.

“I’m having fun with rodeoing.”