New high school rodeo set to debut

By Tyler Lowey, Times Reporter

Local cowboys and cowgirls now have the opportunity to participate in the Alberta’s largest high school rodeo.
The Chestermere Agricultural Society announced Feb. 10 they will be bringing the Alberta High School Rodeo Association (AHSRA) to the Calgary Stampede Grounds this April.
The AHSRA tours around all of Alberta, including a quick stop in Strathmore, on its season-long quest to find the top cowboys and cowgirls at each event.
The rodeo will make its inaugural debut April 20 to 22 at the Nutrien Western Events Centre.
“High school rodeo is very prevalent in this province. We worked with the Calgary Stampede to secure this event to give the kids an opportunity to use a professional venue,” said Rodeo Chair Dan Richard. “This is the holy grail of venues.”
It also presents a great opportunity for some local flavour to hop into the same ring the pros use. Returning to the AHSRA this season will be Destiny Stevens, Jake Henry, Riley Sibbet, Paige Sibbet, Avery Aleman and Reid Regher. Other local products from Wheatland County who now have a chance to participate in the new rodeo include Rockyford’s Lexi Kathol, Langdon’s Marissa Bosijoli and Shayanna Sheller, and Dalemead’s Jewel Brister.
Last season, Brister placed fourth in the barrel racing and 28th in the breakaway roping.
Richard has dubbed it the largest contestant-based rodeo in Calgary, as more than 300 contestants are expected to register in the 20 different events.
Competition will begin April 20 when the junior high athletes take centre stage for a day of flying fur. The next day kicks off a two-day event where cowboys and cowgirls will be fighting for precious points in the AHSRA standings.
“We are hoping this becomes the premier event for high school rodeo in Canada,” said Richard.
The Division 1 rodeo, featuring those local athletes, kicks off the weekend of April 13 in Taber.