Local bull rider happy to be part of 96th annual Stampede Week

Cody Coverchuk is willing to get on an angry bull and ride it until it bucks him off; he absolutely loves it.

Over his decade long (and counting) career, the 22-year-old local has won many accolades such as being named the 2009 international Indian Jr. bull riding world champion, two time Canadian Cowboys Association year end (cash) leader, and ‘Built Ford Tough’ incentive winner. He’s also been a three-time PBR Canada finalist and was the 2015 Bull Riders Canada finals champion.

The Meadow Lake product started riding when he was 12 as a steer rider before moving up to junior bull riding and is now a professional rider with the Professional Bull Riders Association (PBR).

Over the last 10 years, Coverchuk saw 1,500-pound bulls buck, charge and stomp, but he’s not phased by the possibility of injury.

“At the time I try not to think about it. I kind of just shut it all off and worry about the task at hand. You don’t like getting hurt, but its part of the game and going to happen regardless,” he said. “I’ve been really lucky as of yet. I’ve broken my jaw and tore the MCL out of my knee and I’m damned because I’m one of the luckier bull riders… It’s a rough sport.”

Trades in Sask.

Skilled trades need not limited to building homes

Apr 17, 2024

Raising concerns

Battlefords and Meadow Lake MPs weigh in on new federal budget

Apr 17, 2024

Tragic events

Sask. Gov't confirms investigation after former Pine Grove inmate passes away in hospital

Apr 16, 2024

During a recent PBR event in Moose Jaw, Coverchuk jammed and dislocated his thumb, wrecking the tendons. He has surgery scheduled for Monday, June 13 but still chose to ride in front of his hometown crowd during the 96th annual Stampede Week Rodeo from June 9 to 11.

“It’s my choice and it’s my free arm so I can still do it,” he said with a laugh.

The brace he wore during day one of the rodeo didn’t affect his ride; he finished yesterday’s evening in second place, behind Australia’s Josh Birks.

Coverchuk has today off and will again jump on the bull tomorrow, June 11. Rodeo events for Stampede Week continue today and tomorrow starting at 7 p.m. both days.

Competing all over Canada and the states, Coverchuk said he loves the support Meadow Lake shows him, especially when riding at home. He added being at home provides an excellent opportunity to showcase his stuff.

While the sport may be dangerous, it’s also exciting and fun but Coverchuk said it’s also not for those not willing to give everything they can.

“If you’re going to get in to the sport of bull riding you need to go 110 per cent, you need to go all in or not at all. You gotta… pretty much bleed it if you want to, you can’t fake the sport… you got to love it or it’s not really worth it,” he said.

In the 2016 PBR season, Coverchuk is ranked tenth with eight bulls ridden for eight seconds out of 18 attempted bulls.

The PBR is made up of the world’s top 35 bull riders from across Canada, the United States, Mexico, Brazil and Australia.

cswiderski@jpbg.ca

On twitter: @coltonswiderski