High School Rodeo a hit

Times Reporter   

 

The high school rodeo has been held in Strathmore since 1971, making it the oldest of its kind in the province. From May 17-18, competitors came to the Ag Grounds to show off their skills in the event’s 43rd year.

 “Lots of people asked how we could do the rodeo in four to five hours, and other towns take up to six hours,” said Lorne Lausen, high school rodeo president. “It went off real smooth. Everyone was really happy.”

“It was fantastic. The weather was nice enough to cooperate with us,” Carla Nott, rodeo office manager said. “It went very smoothly, the kids were great, we never had any problems.”

Over 100 cowboys and cowgirls competed for buckles and prize money, but Lausen said it’s more about the experience.

“The prize money is not as big as other rodeos but they come to high school rodeo mostly to get the points, to add up to go to the Alberta Finals,” Lausen said. “If they can win enough there, then they get to go to the United States for the National High School Finals.”

Strathmore had a few entries this year, though none finished first in the averages. Martina Vergouwen of Strathmore split third place in goat tying on May 17. Rayna and Eddie Longeway train in Strathmore; Rayna placed second in team roping on May 17 with Lakota Bird, second in breakaway the same day, and first in goat tying on May 18. Brother Eddie and his partner Austin Wever finished first on May 17’s team roping. Kole Ashbacher, who also trains in Strathmore, won saddle bronc on May 17 but was bucked off the following day. 

Morgan Mills practices in town, too, but had little luck this weekend.

“The weekend just didn’t go her way,” Nott said.

Other big winners with averages were Clayton Smith, who took home first in steer wrestling and tie-down roping. Stran Dyck had the only qualified ride of the weekend for bareback; Sam Mitchell was the only one to cover two horses for saddle bronc, and Logan Biever was the only rider to stay on his bull for more than eight seconds. Eryn Coy and partner Whitney Weston finished first in team roping, with Coy also taking first in barrels. Lakota Bird finished first in pole bending, Caitlin Park won the breakaway event, and Madison Wright earned the buckle in goat tying.

Nott wished to thank all the sponsors and volunteers for their wonderful support.