Tony Mendes
Tony Mendes (born August 10, 1977) is an American professional bull rider on the PBR's Built Ford Tough Series. He was born in Reno, Nevada; having previously lived in Reno and then in Jensen, Utah, Mendes resides currently in (Mack, Colorado. As of 2012.
Career
He started riding at age 3 on top of a sheep. Over the years he progressed from sheep to calves and steers, before climbing on his first bull at age 14. Having previously ridden for the PRCA and BRO (Bull Riders Only) circuits before joining the PBR, Mendes qualified for his first PBR World Finals in 1999 and recorded a 93.5 score atop the 1900-pound Clayton's Pet of Double J Rodeo Palace in the short-go. He is often referred to as the "Wild Man" because of the energy he displays inside and out the arena.
He is the younger brother of Scott Mendes, who was the 1997 PRCA World Champion bull rider. Since 1999, Tony has qualified for the PBR Finals 8 times (1999-2005, 2007). His brother Scott also qualified for the PBR Finals in 1994 and 2001, the latter case marking the only time that both brothers qualified together.
On Jan 2, 2008 he was featured on the CBS game show Power of 10. He was defeated without winning any money.