PBR Star, ‘American Ninja Warrior’ Competitor Venn Johns Meeting Fans June 12

The Professional Bull Riders kicks off its second annual Hometown Dodge Challenger week with an appearance by PBR star and “American Ninja Warrior” competitor Venn Johns at First National Bank in Vinita.

A native of Bixby, Okla., Johns will be signing autographs and posing for photos with fans, as well as talking with the media at the bank from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, June 12.

First National Bank Vinita is located at 102 W. Illinois Ave.

Johns’ appearance gives PBR fans a chance to get to know more about this Oklahoma son . Raised by his grandparents after the death of his father, Johns first channeled his natural athletic talent into gymnastics.

Training from the age of 10, Johns attended Oklahoma University on a full gymnastic scholarship. After two years competing as a gymnast at OU, Johns gave up his scholarship in order to focus on his dream of becoming a member of the United States Olympic gymnastics team.

While his Olympic dreams were not realized, the former U.S. Gymnastics Federation team member continued to excel athletically. Johns became a professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighter. After seven years of fighting, he retired from MMA with a record of 15-3.

Johns then turned his sights on the toughest sport on dirt — bull riding. From his very first time he sat on the back of a bull, Johns knew he had found his next life challenge.

“It was the best feeling of my life when I rode,” Johns said. “I still get that feeling very time.”

Johns has competed throughout North, Central and South America. In 2014, he won the title of Honduran National Bull Riding Champion.

In early 2017, Johns was approached about participating in NBC’s “Spartan Ultimate Team Challenge” as part of a team made up of professional bull riders. Although Johns was interested in participating, the team event didn’t happen.

However, Johns did apply to NBC’s “American Ninja Warrior” and was invited to compete in season nine. Johns trained at top facilities and with top trainers before traveling to Denver to compete. The “American Ninja Warrior” season has not aired so results are unknown at this time.

Johns’ appearance is part of the PBR’s Hometown Dodge Challenger event Saturday, June 17. The event starts at 7:30 p.m. at the American Legion Arena in Vinita.

After PBR stars, like Johns, compete against each other to be crowned champion of the most thrilling eight seconds in sports, two-time PBR World Champion J.B. Mauney and 2016 World Champion Cooper Davis will face off in head-to-head competition. This is the only time these two champions will compete against each other one-on-one this season, so fans won’t want to miss this event.

Several bull riders will also make an appearance at the Hometown Dodge booth during the Vinita Historic Route 66 Festival. They will be signing autographs and visiting with fans. Organizers say there may also be a bull there too.

Tickets for the second annual PBR Hometown Dodge Challenger are $20 for general admission, $5 for kids 12 and under, and $30 for box seats. Tickets are available now at the Shout and Sack in Vinita, the Vinita Chamber of Commerce and Xorbia.com.

General admission ticket prices increase by $5 at the gate.

For more information on the Professional Bull Riders’ Hometown Dodge Challenger event, visit the Touring Pro Division on pbr.com.