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Support the Turtle Griffin scholarship fund!

Championship Bull Riding is coming to Carthage on Saturday, Nov. 20.

Panola College and Championship Bull Riding are teaming to bring you one of the most exciting rodeo events in the nation. Panola College will host the first annual Josh Edward Griffin Memorial Scholarship Fund Bull Riding at the Panola County Cattleman’s Association Arena in Carthage.

The Championship Bull Riding, Inc. (CBR) sanctioned event will raise money for the Panola College Rodeo Team’s Scholarship Fund in memory of Josh “Turtle” Griffin. Josh Edward “Turtle” Griffin, of Garrison, died in a bull riding accident on February 1, 2009. He lived and died doing the thing he loved the most – bull riding. In his loving memory, friends and family raised approximately $24,000 to establish the Josh Edward Griffin Memorial Scholarship Fund at Panola College this spring to be used to help aspiring cowboys/cowgirls, continue their rodeo ambitions and earn an education.

The CBR, created by Carthage native and legendary 5X Stock Contractor of the Year Terry Williams, businessman Joel Logan, and led by 4X World Champion Tuff Hedeman, has attracted 35 of the top bull riders in the world. World Champion bull riders such as Bonner Bolton (CBR World Champion) and Edni Caminhas (PBR World Champion) will be in Carthage for the event. Carthage and Panola College’s own Clayton Williams (2010 NFR qualifier, PBR National Finals qualifier and CBR National Finals Qualifier) and other former and current Panola College bull riders -- Chandler Bownds, Friday Wright, and Reagan Avery will all be on hand. Thirteen other riders that will be in the show have also qualified for the CBR Finals, PRCA National Finals, or NIRA College National Finals.

"Saturday, November 20 will be an action packed, bone chilling afternoon that you will not want to miss," said Don Clinton, vice president of student services and athletic director for Panola College. Tickets can be purchased from the Panola College Business office, from Panola Rodeo team members or the Panola County Chamber of Commerce.

Children age 10 and under will get in free. Tickets will be $10 purchased in advanced and $12 at the gate.