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From wrecking to riding
McConnel goes 2 for 3 after accident; begins to feel pressure
LAS VEGAS (November 2, 2009) - It’s been an emotional seven days for Ryan McConnel.
On the eve of flying to Las Vegas, he flipped his pickup truck five or six times after being hit by another automobile. He miraculously survived the near-fatal wreck with nothing worse than a punctured lung.
After walking away from the accident, spending the night in the hospital and then having drive to the Finals – he was advised by doctors against flying because the pressure of altitude could collapse his lung – he had to refocus on the task of riding the rankest bulls in the world.
Sunday afternoon he was watching the CBS broadcast of Round 2 on the jumbotron inside the Thomas & Mack Center, when the 22-year-old admitted that his emotions nearly got the best of him after starting out the week two-for-two.
“Yeah, it was a hugely emotional moment for me when Leah (Garcia) brings up the wreck,” he explained, “and everybody else brings up the wreck, for that matter.
“It’s easy to sit there and say, ‘Wow, you’re tough’ or ‘Wow, you’ve done a lot since you’ve been here being you just got in a wreck,’ but just like I told Leah, my mindset never changed. I looked forward to being here.”
“I was lucky to be here,” he continued, “to be completely honest. … Here I am and I’m feeling great right now.”
McConnel covered Shotgun Willy in Round 1 for 88 points, and then rode Unabomber for another 91.25 points. He was second in the Finals average after two rounds, behind only J.B. Mauney.
Unfortunately, he came down early in Round 3, but he’s still fifth in the average and there are 39 other riders from this past weekend who would gladly exchange places with him on the leader board.
“I was too fortunate, if that’s possible,” he said in reference to the outcome of last Tuesday’s crash. “It’s been different a lot throughout the Finals.
“The first round, I’m not going to lie, the first round I was more relaxed than (Saturday) night. Then the second round came and, I don’t know, something was built up. I don’t know what it was, but I felt really—almost a little bit of pressure. I wanted to keep going and keep going good.”
McConnel has moved into fifth in the world standings.
He’s covered 54 percent of his bulls season, and won his first-ever Built Ford Tough Series event in Birmingham, Ala. But it was in Barretos, Sao Paulo, Brazil that he proved to himself and the rest of the world that he could compete with the best riders.
McConnel was a key member of the U.S. team that defended its World Cup title against the heavily favored Brazilians.
Since then, the New Mexican native, who now makes his home in Oklahoma, has ridden with an air of confidence that he can not only make the whistle, but also seriously contend for a world title. Prior to the accident, McConnel was a favorite by many to win the Finals average, and is still in a good position to do so.
“Next week I’m going to keep the same mindset,” he said, “and keep going in the same direction I am, just keep my head on right and know that I can ride everything out there.”
—by Keith Ryan Cartwright
-
I had the great joy of getting to meet Ryan in Billings Montana & sit beside with whom he introduced as “his better half” on Sundays performance. He became my favorite bull rider. You can just see the pride and determination in his eyes. I could not stop the tears when I looked over and saw her bow her head and pray while he was getting ready in the chute, she is a very admirable and beautiful young woman. What an inspiring young couple. I would love to see him win the world finals. I think he is a better role model compared to riders like JB, whom would'nt have a thing to do with us at an autograph signing. GOOD LUCK RYAN MCCONNEL!! Best Wishes from your biggest fans,
-Gail & Charles Bennet -
KDELAINE515
November 4, 2009Good Luck Ryan! -
olebum
November 4, 2009Keep on keeping on my man!!!!!We are all pulling everthing we have here in Aztec,Bloomfield
and Farmington for your continual success. So happy that you were able to competee after
the horrible wreck. Take care of yourself. -
jason_c_adam
November 4, 2009Ryan has become my favorite rider on the tour. From the face slaps prior to nodding his head to the dance and the Harry Carray impressions, he makes PBR fun to watch.
His interview the other night was tough, cause at some point you look around and realize that not only are you lucky to be in the PBR World Finals, but you are lucky just to be alive.
I thought it was a perfect example of how real the PBR is and the emotion that drives these guys to do what they do. -
krazykat
November 3, 2009Hey Ryan, keep doing what you have been doing since the world cup. You are an awesome bullrider. You make great decisions as evidenced by wearing your seatbelt. There is a reason for everything that happens. Keep riding tough. -
reznibd
November 3, 2009Ryan - I, for one, am absolutely convinced that you can and will ride everything out there! Keep up the great work. So very many of us are pulling for you. By the way, I like your hair and your impersonations, but not as much as watching your surfer moves after you've covered your bull! -
FlashOBlue
November 3, 2009Keep riding, Ryan! You are strong. You are good. And you're funny! It's good having you around in so mny ways! -
doyce
November 3, 2009every body is allowed to stumble friday is a new day uncle doyce -
ford girl
November 3, 2009I feel so bad that Ryan got in that accident. I've seen more pictures of his truck on his MySpace and I have to say that that had to have been a really bad wreak. But I'm so glad that he's doing great and riding good. Keep it up Ryan! -
mblack1073
November 3, 2009Just give it to God! He left you here for a reason. Have a great time and just take deep breaths unfortunately people are going to bring up the accident. We have enjoyed you being on the tour, what a wonderful talent you have and great sense of humor. thant will take you far. Can't wait for Thursday! -
renee505
November 2, 2009Ryan you rule. Take advantage of this break and get ready to ride. I cannot wait to see you again next weekend. -
GSDgirl
November 2, 2009Relax, enjoy and have loads of fun at the finals!
We luv ya! -
dsw
November 2, 2009Just take it one bull at a time. Enjoy being at the finals. The rest will take care of itself. -
tomkurowski
November 2, 2009Like many others from this past weekend, we were fortunet enough to meet Ryan. He is a very talented young man with a great future. Without any form of shame, he spoke freely to anyone about the accident. But what really impressed us even more is the honor and respect he gives his fellow riders and even more so his family. There is pride and respect that glows from Ryan's face when he is asked about his younger brother and it truly reflects that. Maybe Leah could try talking to Ryan about things of that nature next week, other than old news.
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November 5, 2009