Potter's Good Fortune Continues in Anaheim

The Orange County Register - 02/12/2007
by Lou Ponsi

ANAHEIM – Bull rider Greg Potter grew up halfway around the world. But for the native of Queensland, Australia, Anaheim seems like home.

Potter, 35, was the only rider to stay atop four bulls during the three days of the Professional Bull Riders' Amp'd Mobile Invitational at Honda Center. He was rewarded Sunday in front of 7,212 with a first-place finish.

"I just took it day by day, bull by bull," Potter said.

Potter won the Anaheim event for the third time in his six-year PBR career. The previous two victories were in 2004 and 2005.

"I just love it here," said Potter, who earned $27,330 and was in 10th place for the season heading into Anaheim.

Potter was in third heading into the final six rides of the championship round.

Brian Canter of Randleman, N.C., moved into the lead by scoring a 90.75 ride atop Mud Flap. The ride was the only 90-point performance of the event.

Sean Willingham and J.B. Mauney followed with a chance to take the lead, but both were bucked off before the required eight seconds.

Then came Potter, who scored an 88.75 atop Flack Jacket for a total of 338.75 for four rides. Canter finished second with 264.

"The bull I was on was a good bull and knew I had to bear down and make a ride," Potter said.

Three-time world champion and crowd favorite Adriano Moraes was bucked off all three bulls.

"That's the way it's been going, "Moraes said. "But today I tried, and I can live with that."

NOTES: Attendance for the three day event was about 21,000.

Former Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda was among those in attendance Sunday. Lasorda said he has become a fan of the sport in recent years. "The guys we see here today could play baseball," he said. "But baseball players can't ride bulls." ...

Actor and daredevil Johnny Knoxville, who starred in MTV's "Jackass," attended and was impressed by the riders. "This is way beyond what I've ever done," said Knoxville, known for performing dangerous stunts. "These guys are true American heroes. I have nothing but respect for them."

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