Raves, Rants & Roses

ROSES: Even at 38 the Three Time World Champion Bull Rider Adriano Moraes, a Tylerite, out-rode his younger teammates in the World Cup in Chihuahua, Mexico. He showed the real heart of a champion. Brazil won last year when he captained the team. This year he had the responsibility of being the captain and a rider for the Brazilian team. With every interview and ride you could see the intensity of trying so hard to win for his native country.

Brazil did not win this year, but it wasn't because of lack of skill on Moraes' part. He rode all of his bulls except for one, due to a disqualification because of a slap.

The USA Team won, and knowing Adriano, he showed his graciousness to the winners. Of course we know he also loves the USA because he has chosen Tyler, Texas, for his second home. Next year the World Cup in Bull Riding will be in Barretos, Brazil. He will retire as a rider in 2009, but I can just about guarantee he will be the captain of the Brazilian Team.

He has the rest of this year to ride and his last ride will be at the World Championship in Las Vegas Nov. 9. I guarantee if all of his fans could come to see him ride his last rides the arena would be packed full every night. I do not think there is another bull rider that is more highly respected than this great champion.

Joan Simpson
Greensboro, N.C.