America's top cowboy hangs hat in Molalla
2 Comments Published by Pioneer Staff on Thursday, May 31, 2007 at 11:21 AM.
By Tim LaneMolalla Pioneer
Mitch Coleman heard about a competition through the Country Music Television channel from friends down in Texas looking for America’s Top Cowboy.
The grand prize was $50,000 and the chance to be on national cable television.
Coleman, who went to college in Texas and has two sisters who live there, decided to give the show a shot.
“I figured, ‘what the heck,’ and sent in my tape,” Coleman said
The Molalla resident was lucky and had his name called to be a part of the cast. So, at the end of March, Coleman traveled down to the CF Ranch near Alpine, Tex. to compete against six other men.
Audiences from coast to coast were able to tune in and watch the contestants go at it in a variety of events ranging from roping and riding to shooting and gathering cows.
For Coleman, the son of PRCA rider Steve Coleman and the brother of Ross Coleman, competing in the various events was just like working on the ranch at home.
“I have been doing that stuff my whole life,” Coleman said. “It was pretty natural.”
It was his versatility that brought home the big money for Coleman as he showed off the skills that have served him well in his regular turns in competing in bull riding, bareback riding, team roping and tie-down roping.
The event lasted a week and Coleman, 21, was the youngest of all of the competitors by nearly four years.
“It felt a little weird at first,” Coleman said. “They were all real nice about it though.”
Coleman had to go up against some of the best—two of the competitors were Chad Klien and Bradley Harter, top cowboys in the PRCA.
When the dust had settled Coleman had won the top honors.
“I was nervous as heck for the entire competition,” Coleman said. “But I wanted that $50,000 so I just pushed through.”
The show originally debuted on May 19.
Winning the large cash prize in front of a national audience hasn’t exactly made a superstar out of him.
“I was surprised that more radio and TV people didn’t call me about it,” Coleman said.
Coleman plans on using part of his windfall in the down payment of a new home and part of it for his savings.
“I plan on just looking for a new house and to keep on with rodeo,” Coleman said.
Congratulations to Mitch for putting Molalla in the spotlight in a very positive manner. Thanks Coleman family for everything you do for this community!
Congratulations Mitch Coleman. It was very exciting to hear of your recent success. Having Mitch as a former player and knowing his work ethic, it does not surprise me to hear about this awesome news. Congrats again Mitch.