However, the 17-year old Oklahoma junior breeder is prepared to take the bull by the horns, and is not intimidated by the hefty four-year college requirements to prepare for the following four years of veterinary medicine. Matt has researched the challenging animal science prerequisites to carry out his vision. The college courses include organic and inorganic chemistry, biochemistry, animal nutrition, zoology and genetics rounded-out with physics.

“Yep, it’s estimated at probably eight years of school,” Matt grinned, noting that will not stop him from pursuing his dream to get accepted into the OSU pre-vet program in 2010, eventually specializing in bucking stock.

Meanwhile, the Stringtown, Okla. teen is looking forward to his senior year this fall at nearby Tushka High School in Tushka, located between two chains of steep hills in southeast Oklahoma.

Matt is equally excited about his bucking bulls. Returning from the Junior Futurity in Ardmore in late May after entering his bull, Jack Attack sired by Wampus Cat, he had fond memories of the ABBI event. “I enjoyed the Futurity and people. We had great support from family and friends there,” Matt said. The Junior Futurity was also a thrill for Matt’s girlfriend, Chancee, and her first time at a bull riding. “I was glad to share my special day with her,” he proudly added.

The Jack family owns 150 bulls and cows, encompassing 450 acres in Stringtown. Matt’s own herd of 10 bucking bulls includes yearlings, 2-year-olds and 3-year-olds, but his ranch chores oversee all the family cattle. “My dad and I feed them, and exercise them in a homemade bull walker.”

Every Sunday they hold practice rodeos for cowboys who want to train. Matt also good-naturedly added, “And, I can never forget the hayfield which is what my summer is going to revolve around.”

Matt had three favorite bulls, but recently sold two. He was especially fond of Callicoat Jack, also known as Sky Hawk Cut A Rug, raised by veteran breeders Derrel and Jerry Hargis of nearby Coalgate, Okla. Another favorite bull, El Presidente, also raised by the Hargises, was the 2007 High Point Bull of the Year. Both bulls are 2009 Short Round PBR bulls. Matt’s third favorite, Lugnut, is a 3-year-old bull that’ll soon be entered in the Classics. Bloodlines include Gunslinger, Playboy, Outlaw, A6, and Moody Blues.

The family bucking bull business got started by Matt’s father and mother Kenny and Paula Jack four years ago. “Dad watched the PBR on TV each weekend, and talked about raising bucking bulls one day.” His father also participated in team penning. “Then Dad met Derrel and Jerry Hargis. Dad, a heavy equipment salesman, sold Derrel a bulldozer, and Derrel sold him a bull. I got involved the day my father brought home a bull.”

Derrel Hargis, (www.hargisbulls.com,) was quick to comment about Matt. “I tell you what, that’s the nicest kid in the country. You won’t run into a kid any better than Matt,” Derrel told Bull Pen. Matt has two older sisters Kendra and Audrey, and a brother, Sammy Carroll. Kendra will enter three bulls in the Classics next year.

Besides bulls, Matt’s other hobby was racing Junior Dragsters, driving a small rail car that runs on an eighth of a mile track at 85 mph. A successful run is less than eight seconds.

Interestingly, Country Music Star Reba McEntire and her former husband, Charlie Battles, lived in the same Stringtown house, right before Matt’s family bought it in 2004. When Matt first moved in, he couldn’t stop telling people that fun news. Reba’s former recording studio at the house is now the Jack’s bunkhouse where long-distance bucking bull haulers stay the night.

100 dogs also reside on the Jack ranch, The family breeds Poodles, Maltese, Yorkies, Pugs and Miniature Pinschers in their three kennels. “So, once I graduate vet school, I’ll know how to take care of any animal that hits the ground,” Matt noted.

Matt is also animated about hitting the ground running at college next year. “Since there aren’t many bucking stock veterinarians around and we usually have to travel three hours to Stillwater or plum-down into Texas, this has always stuck in my head. So it’s a good business to get into, to know a lot of people and help a lot of animals.”

Matt likes to ask questions, but there’s no question about his inspiration and aspiration.