Stepping up
Australia's Jones survives cut, might make World Cup
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (March 9, 2010) - Fans have always loved his celebratory dances, but Ben Jones hasn't always had much worth celebrating. Most of his professional career has been marred by issues that have nothing to do with bull riding.
After competing in three events in the PBR’s top level in 1998, he returned home to Australia. Visa issues kept him from returning stateside for the next decade.
And, of course, he’s also been a self-identified wild man.
“I think I took it too easy,” he said, “and when it come down to this weekend [in Kansas City] and getting cut, it was time to show the world what I can do.”
He covered three of four bulls at the Built Ford Tough Invitational, including two for 90 points on Sunday afternoon, and finished the event in third place.
If there was ever a time he needed a big weekend, that was it.
Jones came into the event ranked 33rd in the world standings. He needed to be in the Top 30 by Sunday night to avoid being cut.
“It’s been my best day on the Built Ford Tough since I’ve been on there,” said Jones in the moments after his second 90-point effort. “I just can’t say any more.
“If I got cut, I was pretty much going to have to go home to Australia, and I wasn’t about to let that happen.”
In the opening round, Jones bucked off Ricochet before covering Brass Cat in Round 2. On Sunday, he qualified for the short go with his first 90-point ride when he made the whistle on RFD-TV.
During the draft for the championship round, he had his eye on Big Tex, but on the advice of Ednei Caminhas, selected Kabookie. His second 90-pointer put him in the lead until Jordan Hupp, then Austin Meier took the top spot.
Jones credited Caminhas for his success.
“I can’t lie, I’ve always lived a wild life and been sort of a wild man,” Jones said, “but it’s time to change my ways, and Ednei is trying to bring me back around to see the joy of life.
“There’s a lot more to life than just going to the bars and everything like that, so Ednei has really taken me under his wing. He’s taken me home at night, and we’re getting up in the morning – like this morning we went to church – and I just can’t thank him enough.”
Prior to this weekend, Jones had only covered seven bulls all season, and his riding average was below 33 percent. He’s now he’s raised that average to 38.5 percent, and he’s ranked 23rd in the standings.
His resurgence couldn’t come at a better time.
This past weekend, Team Australia captain Troy Dunn named Pete and Jared Farley as the first two members of his 2010 World Cup team. The remaining members are expected to named this coming weekend, during the Versus broadcast of the Glendale Invitational.
“Troy rang me through the week and asked me how I was riding,” Jones recalled. “I had to be truthful, and I said, ‘Not that good, Troy.’ He said it was time to step up to the plate. I said, ‘I know you’ve got it in you, so it’s time to step up and do it.’
“I was lucky enough to grow up with Troy, and I’ve had Troy’s guidance for the last 10 years, and Troy just knows the right things to say to switch me on at the right time.”
—by Keith Ryan Cartwright
-
I love how he gets so excited after a ride. Seriously its pure little kid at Christmas excitement!!
-
skip74black
March 12, 2010Hey Ben, Skip here well done on coming third. But what they don,t know there about you, when Ben gets a roll on LOOK OUT,,third will look like a bad weekend.I can see you coming first week in week out, So stay rank and just right.. -
loretta davis
March 11, 2010Good job!! Got to do that more, so we can all see you dance. Best to you and remember hang on.
Bowie, Texas Wal-Mart people greeter -
muzman
March 11, 2010ogomezmontes- thats a pretty general statement...all aussies are weird????HOw many have you met?And no...we dont all "dance" like ben...he's one of a kind!!LOL -
muzman
March 11, 2010ogomezmontes- thats a pretty general statement...all aussies are weird????HOw many have you met?And no...we dont all "dance" like ben...he's one of a kind!!LOL -
ogomezmontes
March 10, 2010Heck,I'm glad he made it.He is a weird guy but then aren't all the australians weird?.His dancing is outrageous.It can of make one smile.Again,I'm glad Ben made it for at leats the next 5 events.Go Ben. -
reznibd
March 10, 2010Absolutely he should be on the World Cup team. The man, when he gives it his all, covers his bulls and does so with an exclamation point at the end.
Most of us go through those "wild days" growing up. Hopefully, we all come out on the other side safe and sound in the Lord's hands--some are fortunate that way, while others are not. Thankfully, Ben has grown up and seen the light.
Blessings & Peace, Ben. Keep up the good work :) -
johnandsonna
March 10, 2010So good to see you win Ben in the arena but the real win is coming in your heart with the help of your dear friends, Ednei and Troy. The old saying, you are known by your friends is ever so true. Save the last dance for St. Peter at the Golden Gates. God bless you and keep you well. See you at the World Cup even though I'll be yelling for USA. -
Joan Simpson
March 10, 2010Keith thank you and Ben for such a great story. It was really good to see Ben do so well and get two 90 point rides. I was really pulling for you to win the event, I wanted to see the winning dance.
Sometimes in life it just takes the right person to help and encourage to bring out the best in someone and I am glad to see you have Troy Dunn and Ednei Caminhas.
I sure hope you have many more dances. -
cactus-sue
March 10, 2010I love to see Ben Jones dance! Can you imagine if he'd ridden Big Tex - what the score could have been and what the dance would have been!?!!! But I suppose the right choice was made :)
Ben lights up the arena with his dance, and I hope to see alot more dancing in the future. Hope he makes the World Cup Team! -
PETTIGROVE
March 10, 2010You're the one to pull out a 90 when it's needed Jones.
Church, are you fair dinkum? Hope you find what you're looking for.
Keep ridin' good, plenty of the year to go. -
Shannon K
March 9, 2010I really enjoyed this article. It's fun to learn more beyond just the celebratory dancing. I'm glad Ben was able to make the cut and that he has great influences in his life like Troy and Ednei! -
FaireyGirls
March 9, 2010We are always cheering for Ben to ride, he seems like a nice guy, and you can't but cheer even louder when he dances... At the event in Sacramento we were able to enjoy his "jig" in person, and the arena went wild...
Hoping to see Ben on the Australian team, always looking for a chance to see his dance!
Congrats Ben, keep up the good work.... -
kristizzle07
March 9, 2010YAY Ben Jones! SO happy for him! I Hope he makes the World Cup Team! I'm going to the World Cup in Vegas & I would LOVE to see him there to represent his Country! And to witness that dance in person, again! :) He's definitely one of the fan favs! -
muzman
March 9, 2010Good on ya mate! you had a fantastic result at KC!Keep sleeing and going to church....its doing somehting for positive you!!
Ride well at the world cup & do your country proud.You DESERVE to be there with your current success..lets hope Troy gives you a go. -
petunia
March 9, 2010ooh my gosh. Yah for Ben Jones . I wish he could have won in kansas city.
I love the ben jones gig.
it was so good to watch him.
he made my night. even my mom loved watching him dance -
stygfan
March 9, 2010Good to see Ben do good last weekend. I have met him and he is a very nice guy and I wish him luck!! Has anyone seen the complete cut? Do we know who was cut and who moved up?? -
sannpow
March 9, 2010Some of the high points of this past weekend was being in the arena and watching Ben not only
ride two bulls for 90 points each or his round #3 win, but to watch him celebrate after completing those rides. You just can't help feel his excitement as he does the infamous "Ben Jones Jig" dance.
I was very happy for him and happy to see that he will remain on tour.
Keep your faith strong Ben and continue to surround yourself with the wisdom of people like
Ednei. I look forward to seeing more 90 rides from you and more "Jigs"!.
Blessings to you Ben! -
Twiggy
March 9, 2010Had the chance to spend quite a bit of time over the weekend with Ben, and I can't say enough
about what a polite & courteous young man he is. Everything was yes mam/sir no mam/sir.
His "dance" is one that comes from the heart. When he gets excited, he somehow is able to
empower you with his excitement as well. Hopefully he continues to see the light that Ednei is
helping shine so brightly.
I can't imagine Team Australia without Ben Jones on it this year. He will be just one more of
the many riders I have to cheer & scream at the top of my lungs for.
Good job Mate! -
alade3746
March 9, 2010We really enjoy watching you ride - and dance - Ben. Hope Troy picks you for his World Cup Team. Looks like you've stepped up to that plate. Keeping our fingers crossed for you.
Login to add your comment!
Login to Post your comment
Guidelines: Comments should be within the standards established for the PBR community. Failure to abide by these standards may result in the deletion of comments and suspension of posting privileges. Please keep your comments relevant and courteous, and please refrain from posting any personal information.
When logging in you will be using your TeamPBR login Information. If you are not a member of
TeamPBR you can join for free at www.teampbr.com
Dont have a TeamPBR login? By going to www.teampbr.com you can find out more of the benefits for joining TeamPBR!
There are memberships for every one from the Toughest Membership to the Free Membership TeamPBR has you covered. Find out which membership fits you today!
About PBR
Sponsors
PBR 101
International
Contact the PBR
For all inquiries about PBR Tickets
For all inquiries about the fan club.
Inquiries about general publicity requests, media credentials, or interviews.
Comments, questions, or help with the pbrnow.com.
View a list of contact options for the PBR.
March 12, 2010