• What: L.J. Jenkins Invitational Bull Riding
• When: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday
• Where: Curry County Events Center
• Tickets: $12 in advance at Joe’s Boot Shop and Creighton’s Town and Country, Portales; $15 at the gate; Children 12 and under free with paying adult.
• Total purse: $18,000
• Format: 40 riders each night with top eight advancing to the short-go
• Top names: PBR and CBR stars such as L.J Jenkins, Cooper Kanngiesser, Tony Mendes, Chon Miranda, Ryan McConnel, Skeeter Kingsolver.
• About the host: Jenkins, who grew up in Texico, has earned more than $1 million since he joined Professional Bull Riders in 2006. … Now 23 years old, he has five career wins, including two in 2011 (Albuquerque and Seattle). … Finished eighth in world this year … Home schooled for final year of high school in 2006 to allow him to compete in PBR events … Grew up near Luke Snyder and Matt Bohon, who were the same age as his older brother. … Purchased ranch in Oklahoma on the internet. … Won first bull riding event at age 8.
• Good choice: Jenkins told the Rio Rancho Observer he was forced to decide between hoops and bull riding while at Texico. “I was pretty serious (about bull riding). It came down to my coach saying, ‘Quit riding bulls.’ I said. ‘See ya.’ I enjoyed basketball but I knew my future was riding bulls.”
