Wichita-native takes center stage in bull riding competition

Sean Marty and Joseph Barringhaus|April 14, 2019

Garfield Wilson holds onto Betsy for 7.37 seconds during the first round of the PBR Pendleton Whisky Velocity Tour on April 13, 2019 at INTRUST Bank Arena. (Photo by Joseph Barringhaus/The Sunflower).

Wichita-native Garfield Wilson wasn’t sure what would happen Saturday night.

Wilson and others took center stage Saturday as INTRUST Bank Arena hosted PBR as part of its Velocity Tour.

Joseph Barringhaus
Fire is lit at the start of the PBR Pendleton Whisky Velocity Tour on April 13, 2019 at INTRUST Bank Arena.

At the beginning of the night, Wilson stood unsure whether he would even be participating in the event. Wilson is one of the select few in the sport who are referred to as alternates. He would wait for an opportunity in the case of either travel or injury-related issues. Saturday sprung opportunity.

Wilson, who has spent the past five years as an alternate in the sport, posted up a time of 7.37. This time clinched a spot in the final round.

“I waited and waited on a big opportunity and I couldn’t miss it this time,” Wilson said. “It was a great experience just to ride in my home town.”

Joseph Barringhaus
Garfield Wilson holds onto Something Magical for 2.16 seconds during the second round of the PBR Pendleton Whisky Velocity Tour on April 13, 2019 at INTRUST Bank Arena. (Photo by Joseph Barringhaus/The Sunflower).

The competition is recognized mostly for bull riders seeking to make a name for themselves or pursue a comeback. A packed house cheered on the hometown rider as he finished with third-best first round score out of all competitors.

“It was nice to hear them cheer for the hometown cowboy,” Wilson said.

Wilson came up short, only lasting 2.37 seconds on the bull in the final round.