http://newsok.com/cowboys-get-another-shot-at-1-million-prize/article/3542073Oklahoma cowboys get another shot at $1 million prize
Jet and Cord McCoy developed a large fan following in first appearance on “Amazing Race” last year
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http://newsok.com/oklahoma-cowboys-get-another-shot-at-1-million-prize/article/3542073#ixzz1EUSDodnOIn their first appearance on “The Amazing Race” last year, Oklahoma cowboys Jet and Cord McCoy developed a large fan following with their friendly, polite demeanor and cowboy charm. Cord’s catchphrase “Oh, my gravy!” especially struck a chord with viewers. The pair made a strong run for the $1 million prize, finishing runner-up.
The cowboys get another opportunity to win the big prize in “The Amazing Race: Unfinished Business,” which premieres at 7 p.m. today on CBS. The series will be aired in HD for the first time.
The reality series consists of 11 teams of former contestants — including a team of former Harlem Globetrotters and a team of former NFL cheerleaders — in a 40,000-mile race across five continents and 23 cities. The teams travel to such picturesque spots as Australia, where they find themselves swimming with sharks; Liechtenstein, where they must measure the length of the country while riding a motorized bicycle; and Tokyo, where they must endure the freezing waters from Mount Fuji as part of a spiritual ritual.
The Oklahoma cowboys said they enjoyed the first experience so much that they were glad to get another opportunity to compete.
“They definitely named it right,” said Cord, 30, of Tupelo. “It is amazing. On ‘Amazing Race 16’ we got to go to places that I had never seen or heard of before. Each country that we went to had something cool to offer.”
“There were always places that you liked better than others,” said Jet, 31, who has a ranch near Ada. “We really liked Argentina just because it was the most like Oklahoma. It was definitely eye opening. It definitely broadened my horizons to be able to see that much country.”
The experience also earned them celebrity status in Oklahoma and beyond. The pair are featured on the cover of a new “Amazing Race” video game for Nintendo Wii.
Cord said he noticed “Oh, my gravy!” T-shirts showing up at places he has visited in recent months. “People have told me, ‘You should copyright that.’ I never even knew I said it that much until I watched the race (last year). But I do say that a lot.”
A longtime professional bull rider, Cord was swamped with autograph requests at the recent PBR event in Oklahoma City. “You sign your name or take your picture as fast as you can and try to get done before the bull riding starts,” he said.
Jet said he is surprised when people recognize him in unusual places. “It’s kind of interesting,” he said. “Most of the time they run up and they stop me and say, ‘Hey, aren’t you Cord McCoy’s brother?’ Yep, that’s me.”
Since the last series, Cord ended his bachelor status. He married Sara Best, who grew up on an Iowa ranch, on Nov. 13 in Atlantic, Iowa. The two had met at a bull riding event in Tulsa.
“It’s a funny story,” Cord said. “My dad is originally from Iowa. Sara was doing an internship at Tulsa and came up to me and said, ‘Hey, my dad told me to tell your dad hello.’ I said, ‘Who are you?’ The rest is history. I’ve been chasing her ever since.”
The couple honeymooned in Maui on a trip that the brothers had won on “Amazing Race 16.” After winning four legs of the race, they earned three trips and two sailboats. They also got an undisclosed cash prize for finishing second. They since have sold the sailboats, and Jet and his wife have plans to use the trip to Alaska.
The cowboys said the experience from the first time on the series proved valuable.
“We learned that sometimes trying to be fast isn’t always the best,” Jet said. “The mistakes we made was when we just kind of got in a hurry.”
“The Amazing Race: Unfinished Business” was taped in November and December, so the McCoy brothers already know the outcome. Last year they watched “Amazing Race 16” with friends and family at their sister Nikki’s house near Ada. Several Ada bars and restaurants hosted watch parties.
Cord admitted it can be hard to be tight-lipped and avoid revealing the outcome in advance.
At a watch party at an Iowa restaurant, he said people were frantic when the pair fell into last place.