El Dorado Students Perform at PBR in Wichita

Butler County Times-Gazette, Dec. 16, 2024 – click to view original article

El Dorado JAG-K students had a special visit from the Professional Bull Riders Inc., (PBR), on Thursday morning before they performed at the opening event on Friday night.

The PBR chose to visit El Dorado JAG-K students upon request of Instructor Brett Gunderson. The team, including 21-year-old PBR rider Koltin Hevalow, who rides for the Kansas City Outlaws team. The Smithville, MO, native spoke to the students about the determination and work ethic needed to be successful as a professional athlete. Hevalow is ranked #10 in the world for 2024 but didn’t place in this weekend’s tournament.

During his visit, Hevalow brought his bull riding gear such as chaps, vest, boots, rope, helmet, and gloves for students to see and feel.

On Friday night the students traveled to Intrust Bank Arena to perform the National Anthem at the opening night of the PBR’s Unleash the Beast tournament which concluded on Saturday night. The performance was live-steamed on the Times-Gazette’s Facebook page for online viewers to watch.

The top-rated ride and winner of the tournament, Dalton Kasel, took home a winning prize of $50,000 for a total score of 181.25 and 138 points.

JAG-K is a 501(c)3 non-profit that partners with public schools to offer an elective class that provides academic and other positive supports to ensure students earn their diploma. By exploring career opportunities and practicing soft skills, students are prepared to successfully transition to post-secondary education, military service, or into the workforce following their graduation.