Carolina Cowboys: Contenders for the 2023 PBR Team Series Title

The History of the Carolina Cowboys

The Carolina Cowboys are a professional bull riding team that competes in the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) Teams competition. Based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, the Carolina Cowboys have a rich history in the sport of bull riding.

The Early Days

The Carolina Cowboys were founded in 1999 by a group of bull riding enthusiasts who wanted to bring the exciting sport of professional bull riding to the Carolinas. They started out competing at small local rodeos and bull riding events across North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and Tennessee.

In those early days, the team was made up of talented regional riders with dreams of making it big in the PBR. Led by coach and former bull rider Mitch Hoskins, the Cowboys quickly established themselves as a competitive team in the southeastern United States.

Joining the PBR

In 2003, the Carolina Cowboys took their success to the next level when they were accepted into the PBR's Teams Division. This meant they would now be competing against other top bull riding teams from across the country at major PBR events.

With the brighter spotlight came more sponsorship opportunities. The Cowboys landed several key sponsorships including Wrangler Jeans and Justin Boots. This financial backing helped them recruit new talent and take the team to new heights.

The Carolina Cowboys Jersey

As the Carolina Cowboys continued to grow in popularity, their iconic team jersey become more and more recognizable to fans. The distictive red, white and blue jersey features the team's bucking bull logo across the chest along with stars and stripes down the sleeves.

Cowboys riders were immensely proud to wear the patriotic jersey as they continued to find success. It gave the team an identity fans could rally around. The jersey is still popular today with North Carolina sports fans.

Key Players Over the Years

While the roster has changed over the past two decades, several exceptional riders have left their mark on the Carolina Cowboys legacy.

Chris Shivers

Arguably the greatest cowboy in team history, Chris Shivers dominated during his time with Carolina. He led the Cowboys to their first ever PBR World Finals appearance in 2004. The two-time PBR World Champion (2000, 2003) brought instant credibility and star power to the Cowboys.

J.B. Mauney

Known as the “Prince of the Cowboys”, J.B. Mauney grew up in nearby Mooresville, NC. He joined the Carolina Cowboys as an up-and-coming teenager full of talent. Mauney credits the Cowboys for helping shape him into the championship rider he became. Like Chris Shivers, Mauney also won two PBR World Championships (2013, 2015).

Eduardo Aparecido

This Brazilian sensation spent three seasons riding for the Carolina Cowboys from 2009 to 2011. During that time, Aparecido became a breakout star and fan favorite at Cowboys events. In 2011, he helped lead Carolina to a seventh place finish in the PBR Team Series - their best finish at the time.

Recent Carolina Cowboys Success

Over the past five years, the Carolina Cowboys have established themselves as perennial contenders under coach Cody Lambert. They have twice finished in second place in the PBR Team Series standings over this stretch.

2018 Season

Led by veteran riders Jess Lockwood and Derek Kolbaba in 2018, the Cowboys spent much of the season battling for first place. They wound up second behind the eventual champion Iron Cowboy riders. Lockwood also won the individual PBR World Championship that same year.

Back to the Finals in 2022

Carolina returned to the PBR World Finals as one of the top seeds in 2022 based on their success throughout the grueling season. Key contributions from rookie sensation Eli Vastbinder and veteran rider João Ricardo Vieira helped secure their spot in Las Vegas where they ultimately finished sixth.

The 2023 Season Ahead

The Carolina Cowboys have assembled another talented roster this season blending championship veterans with young talent on the rise. They look poised to make another deep run towards the PBR Team Series title.

Key Riders to Watch

João Ricardo Vieira returns as the anchor for the 2023 squad. As a past PBR World Champion in 2016, he brings the experience needed to guide a championship level team.

Young riders Austin Richardson and Grayson Cole impressed in limited action last season. They are expected to take on bigger roles moving forward after productive offseasons.

New recruit Dalton Rudman could be an X-factor addition to the Cowboys. The 23-year old Australian is an emerging star on the international stage of bull riding and will bolster Carolina’s chances.

Contenders Once Again

With coach Cody Lambert orchestrating another talented roster, expectations remain high for the Carolina Cowboys. They have their sights set on capturing that elusive first PBR Team Series Championship in 2023.

FAQs

When were the Carolina Cowboys founded?

The Carolina Cowboys were founded in 1999 by a group of bull riding enthusiasts who wanted to bring professional bull riding to the Carolinas.

How many PBR World Championships have Carolina Cowboys riders won?

Two legendary Carolina Cowboys riders have won a combined four PBR World Championships - Chris Shivers won in 2000 and 2003, while J.B. Mauney won in 2013 and 2015.

What was the Carolina Cowboys best ever finish in the PBR Team Series?

The Cowboys best finish came recently in 2018 when they finished second in the PBR Team Series standings behind the Iron Cowboy riders.

Who is the head coach of the Carolina Cowboys?

The current head coach of the Carolina Cowboys is Cody Lambert, a former professional bull rider himself.

Who should fans watch on the 2023 Carolina Cowboys roster?

Key riders to watch this year include veterans João Ricardo Vieira and Grayson Cole, alongside top rookie Dalton Rudman.