High School Rodeo puts on a good show

Andrea Roberts
Times Intern

 

Grade 9-12 students showed off their varying skills at the annual Strathmore High School Rodeo on May 21 at the Strathmore and District Agricultural grounds for a chance to qualify in the Alberta High School Provincial Rodeo. The high school event was meant to take place over the whole weekend, but due to bad weather the May 22 rodeo was cancelled, forcing contestants to try and make it into the top ten with only one shot.
“It was pretty competitive,” said High School Rodeo Organizer Crystal Stevens.
“All the kids had been practicing and brought their A-games. All those kids in the 11, 12 and 13 spots were fighting for a spot at the top ten.”
About four of the eight local competitors made it to provincials, which will take place from June 3 to June 5. The number of local contestants and qualifiers has seen an increase over the past 10 years.
Nearly 20 volunteers and sponsors participated in the success of the event this year, including new sponsors McDonalds and Sobeys. Hayze Stevens, Destiny Stevens, Marissa Boisjoli and Jewel Brister will be going to the Provincial Rodeo for team roping.
Stevens was disappointed, however, in the turnout of spectators, while understanding the weather played a bit of a deterrent.
“Hopefully one day we will have more people come out to watch that would be lovely, personally I thought it was a good show,” she said.