High tailin’ high school rodeo

Times Reporter     

 

Though last year there were no Strathmore entries for the Strathmore High School Rodeo, this year a few locals amongst the 200 cowboys and cowgirls will be able to show off their skills at the Ag Grounds from May 17-18.

“It’s progressing their abilities, and these events lead to being in rodeo for a bunch of years,” said Lorne Lausen, president and coordinator of the event. “It’s a good place for them to start, so hopefully they can get enough interest.”

As part of District 1, those who finish in the top eight earn a sport at the Alberta Finals. Furthermore, the top four earn a spot at National Finals, while the other fifth to eighth-place finishers will travel to Nevada for the Silver State Finals.

Since 1971, the high school rodeo has given Grade 9-12 students the chance to begin their rodeo careers. Lausen has been running the show for 14 years, but may be looking to pass the torch.

“We don’t really have a committee because there haven’t been enough kids in the past,” Lausen said. “The last couple of years have been a little short.”

Numbers have been down just by chance, he says; once participants graduate Grade 12, they’re not allowed to come back.

“It’s kind of unique compared to other rodeos, because you have to be in high school,” he said. “It’s not like Pro Rodeo where guys hang around for 20 years.”

Lausen is welcoming young competitors from Alberta and British Columbia, and they best start practicing.

“With the High School Rodeo Club, everybody practices on their own,” he said. “With most of the kids, it could be anywhere from two to five days a week. It depends on which kid and how much motivation they have I guess.”