The River City Bull Bash was another success.

The annual event attracted nearly 6,000 fans over two days and netted winner Josh Koschel $6,000.

"We had great crowds both nights and the shows were excellent both nights," said event organizer Cary McNeill. "It was up from last year, but we had to reschedule last year because of (Hurricane) Ernesto."

Koschel, a 22-year-old rider from Greeley, Colo., beat out 34 other riders to win the seventh Bull Bash.

"We had some of the best bulls there are, plain and simple," McNeill said. "The bulls were extraordinary."

Koschel winner's purse put him over the $100,000 mark in career earnings.

"For me, at least, it's off and on," Koschel said. "I'll be riding really good, then you get in a slump and have a hard time. It's like any other sport. (The win) could be the beginning of it getting better."

One rider was not as lucky as Koschel. Travis Hazelief went down hard on Saturday and got stepped on by his bull. Hazelief, of Okeechobee, Fla., was taken to Pitt County Memorial Hospital and is

reported to be doing fine after suffering a crushed testicle, which was removed.

"You never want to see anybody get hurt, but it's something you see a lot," Koschel said. "You learn to put it out of your mind and go on and do your thing."

Fans also had other things to cheer for. The popular mutton busting, featuring children riding sheep, barrel racing and the National Drill team went through their paces in between bull rides.

There was also some comedy and entertainment provided by rodeo clown Matt Merritt.

"He's about best in the business," McNeill said. "He did an excellent, excellent job.

Plans are already in the works for Bull Bash No. 8.

"Bigger and exciting next year," McNeill said. "We had great sponsors, we had a great crowd and it's a great event. We look forward to seeing everybody again next year."