C-Falls cowboy leads after opening round of District 5 Rodeo Finals

Matt Triplett says "you can't ride 'em all," but after two rodeo performances Saturday at Majestic Valley Arena, the Columbia Falls High School bull rider is 2-for-2.

"Yeah, a little bit," Triplett said of his pushing the odds.

"But I'm riding 85 percent right now (for the season)."

Triplett had the top score (70) in a qualifying rodeo in the morning and also posted the best score in the evening (71) during the opening performance of the Montana State High School Rodeo Association District 5 Rodeo Finals.

"If I cover tomorrow, it's pretty good that I will win unless Drew Baker rides again," Triplett said.

Triplett and Baker, of Philipsburg, were the only riders going the full eight seconds in bull riding in the finals. Baker scored a 49.

There were 11 riders total.

"It was a good score," Triplett said of his 71.

"I didn't know a thing about him (bull). He went to the left, went to the right and back to the left. They are kinda hard (to ride) because your arm has to be working."

Triplett stayed with his bull well past the required time.

"It felt pretty long," he said.

"I just kept going until they yelled at me."

Triplett came into the competition sitting fourth in the state standings. He figured his finals ride will move him up to No. 3.

"If you don't have your confidence, it's hard," Triplett said.

"You have to work it back up."

But that's not a problem for him right now. He's riding high and enjoying it.

"This year I hope to go to nationals," he said.

"It's looking good so far."

Triplett finished 10th at the State Rodeo Finals a year ago and placed eighth at Silver State in Nevada.

"My dad built me a pen," he said.

"I pretty much get on every other day. I've been lifting weights and running. I'm in better condition (this year)."

There were 12 riders in the morning qualifying rodeo. Triplett was one of two bull riders to post scores.

Matt Baumgardner of Kalispell was one of the bull riders not scoring in the evening performance. He had two chances, the second was a re-ride.

Boone Chambers of Stevensville had the best time in the second section of calf roping, 19.84.

In the second section of breakaway roping, Becky Jo Dumont of Charlo had the best time, 5.04. Lexy Rianda of Kalispell was third, 11.31.

In goat tying, Rianda's 9.24 was tops. Nichele Maron of Arlee was second, 9.46.

The second and final session of the District 5 Rodeo Finals begins today at 9 a.m.