Roping his way to the top

Times Reporter

 

For Dawson Johnson, getting a chance to head to Winnemucca, Nevada for the Silver State International Rodeo (SSIR) for calf roping is no big deal. He’s a cowboy through and through, and rodeo is just a part of who he is. 

“He’s 18 so this is his last year with High School Rodeo, so we’re all just very pleased he’s going out with making it to the finals. It’s a great way to end his career with High School Rodeo,” said Myrna Johnson, Dawson’s mom. 

“It’s a huge deal to go down there, it’s a six day rodeo its from July 2 to 7. He kind of had to go through a bit of adversity this year to get where he is. He missed out on the last probably five rodeos because he severely sprained his ankle while he was calf roping at one of the rodeos. His horse also went lame, his good horse, and so he trained a young colt himself and within five months he had it ready.”

Dawson has had a career with the Strathmore and District High School Rodeo for years, focusing on his calf roping. It was on the weekend of June 9 that he qualified for a chance to go to the SSIR. 

“This is just… an invitational rodeo so it’s the top 15 from Alberta who go to this rodeo. After this I’m just going to do some more amateur stuff,” said Johnson. 

Fuel Automotive, Jesco Electric, Lakeshore Country Market, Ray Stewart have all signed on to be Johnson’s sponsors. Johnson said he is also grateful to Lorne Lausen with Lausen indoor arena where he practices.

He is excited to be heading to Nevada, and said he hasn’t been there yet to compete. 

Rodeo can be tough, there’s always the risk of injury, and it can be tough to make your mark and qualify for one of the bigger rodeos. 

“Never give up,” is Johnson’s advice for aspiring cowboys and cowgirls.

“It’s tough, there’s lots of competition but you’ve got to keep trying and everything will work out.”