On the night of Feb. 18, 16 year old Brooke Ann Coats was bull riding in a local Tampa, FL rodeo.  She was thrown from the bull and kicked in the chest once. After the accident she was able to stand up and walk out although she instantly began having breathing problems.

She collapsed after she left the ring and the paramedics rushed to her side.  Coats was transported to the Tampa General Hospital where she went into emergency surgery.  During the surgery Coats passed away.

Coats is not the only person to die in such a tragic way. Every year several people die from this sport and profession.  However, not many people realize that bull riding is considered both a sport and a profession. “I believe there are professional bull riders just like there are professional hockey players, but there also amatures,” stated senior Mimi Alworth.

Bull riding can put one’s life at stake so people often wonder why others do it. Why would anyone take such a risk that could take their life?  According to cornycreeklivestock.com, “God gave a special gift to a hand full of our population to walk where others dare not walk and do what others dare not do.”

“There comes a mentality like any sport because you all become good friends and want to do anything for them.  [Bull riding] is also something they probably believe in,” claimed Alworth.

On cornycreeklivestock.com bull riders are remembered for their honor and “special gift”.  Daniel Dopps, 19 year old, is remembered for ranking 20th in the Wilderness Circuit bull riding standings and never letting go of the bull.  Even though he was wearing a helmet and vest, he died after being rushed to the Eastern Idaho Medical Center in Idaho Falls.

Dopps was the second bull rider to die that rodeo season; the first being 16 year old Anthony Covington.  Covington dreamed of competing in the National High School Finals Rodeo, however, he died just weeks before he was scheduled to compete in the NHSFR.

“I think that they risk their lives for [bull riding] because it’s what they want to do.  They know the risk but they do it anyway, although I probably would not do it,” explained sophomore Carly Chelstrom.

Most bull riders now days wear helmets in case of an accident.  According to executive director of the NHSRA, “There hasn’t been a helmet developed that we’re satisfied with.  We’re waiting for a certified helmet to be designed specifically for rodeo.”

Bull riding seems to be the only sport of its kind.  However, senior Ryan Wiesbeck believes there to be a correlation between the army and bull riders.  “They both die doing something they love,” said Wiesbeck.

All the bull riders that die every year, die knowing the risks, but do it anyways because they would rather die for their passion than live without it. Like cornycreeklivestock.com said, “bull riders walk where others dare not walk and do what others dare not do.”