story by Lily Weinacht
Coy Pollmeier is a two-time KHSRA state bull riding champion, taking home his first state title in 2018 before wrapping up his senior year with a second. The 18-year-old from Fort Scott, Kansas, went into state finals with a strong lead and clinched the year-end, sending him to the NHSFR for the third time. “I just plan on taking it one bull at a time and setting my goals to ride all three of my bulls out there and let the cards fall as they may,” says Coy. “What I like most about it is the weather. It’s been really nice out there every year we’ve been to Wyoming, and we have lots of friends that live up there we get to see.”
Bull riding started in the Pollmeier family with Coy’s dad, Mark Pollmeier, who rode bulls in high school and later started raising them. Coy got on his first calf when he was 8 and hasn’t stopped since, with the exception of team roping while recovering from bull riding injuries. Today, Coy and his 15-year-old brother, Tate, both compete and help their dad with the bull business, while also running a small breeding program of their own. “All kinds of people have helped me, and my brother is a pretty big supporter too,” says Coy. “He’s always helped me out and I’m looking forward to when he’s a little older and can hop in and go to pro rodeos with us. Another friend, Jesse Pohlmann, is a few years older than me and has gone through the same stuff, and he’s been pretty helpful with everything.”
Coy and several of his friends travel to PRCA rodeos together all over the country. “Jesse has been helping me with how to enter and what rodeos to go to. It’s definitely a lot to learn and pick up, but I feel like it’s going pretty well, mainly because I’ve had so much support through it all.” Coy enjoyed his Fourth of July run, which put him in the top 10 of the PRCA Ram permit standings, and also loved competing in Forth Worth this winter. “With Bob Tallman announcing and Don Gay, that was pretty cool to listen to,” says Coy. “That feeling after you’ve accomplished something (is motivating). I think that’s what everyone strives for—after they get a taste of it, they want to go back for more. My parents have been behind me more than anyone else, and my dad and brother are always there for me when I want to get on practice bulls.”
Coy’s dad selected several heifers from his bucking bull business for Coy and Tate, who are raising futurity calves. “We’ve been pretty lucky with Dad knowing people and having his name out there so we can figure out who’s looking to buy,” says Coy. “I hope in the future I can have my own place and my own set of cows.” He also has a boot repair and leather shop, and hopes to extend his skills to building custom boots in the future. “One of my favorite things to build are rodeo chaps. I make some for myself, and my brother and other friends.”
Since graduating from Fort Scott High School, Coy’s plan is to attend Fort Scott Community College this fall and complete their welding program. He also enjoys fishing with friends, but it’s more likely he’s at a rodeo or working bulls. “This year I plan on making the Prairie Circuit Finals and the Permit Finals, and then making the short round at the High School Nationals.”
