Wednesday, June 13, 2007

Sports at a Glance

All stories by Jean Schurman

Looking good for local cowboys, cowgirls competing at State

The State Finals of the Montana High School Rodeo Association will begin on Wednesday, June 13, in Missoula at the Fairgrounds. Contestants from across Montana will compete for a chance to move on to the National High School Finals in Springfield, Illinois. The top four finishers in each event will compete at the National Finals. That rodeo will begin July 22 and run through July 28th. The next four placers in each event will have the opportunity to compete at the Silver State Finals in Fallon, Nevada, July 2-8.

The National High School Rodeo Association (NHSRA) is comprised of 40 states, five Canadian provinces and Australia. It was founded in 1947 by Claude Mullins and is now one of the fastest growing organizations for youth in North America. There are currently more than 12,500 student members who compete in 14 events.

In addition to the regular events such as bulls, broncs and timed events, the State Finals will also have a queen contest. Contestants are judged not only on their riding skills but also on knowledge of rodeo, the western way of life and current events.

Bridger Chambers of Stevensville is currently sitting at the top of the calf roping standings with 70 points, the maximum amount a cowboy can carry into the state finals. Also in the top ten in the calf roping is Darby’s Cory Gilbert. He is currently tied for seventh and eighth with Clayton Miller. Chambers is sitting fifth in the boys’ all-around standings.

Duston Stephens of Corvallis is leading the boys’ cow cutting standings with 67 points. Stephens has also earned points in calf roping. Jeffrey Markette is third in the cow cutting. Markette competes in steer wrestling as well.

Stevensville’s Mariah Morgan has had a good spring and is currently in a four-way tie for first place in the barrel race event. Sarah Ralls is tenth in the pole bending. Another Stevensville cowboy who is doing well is Ben Ralls. He is in a three way tie for first in the saddle bronc riding event.

There will be two full go-arounds at the State Finals and then the top 10 contestants in each event will come back on Sunday for the championship round. Wednesday’s schedule includes the boys and girls cow cutting event at 1 p.m. at the Missoula County Fairgrounds. The horsemanship event for the queen contest will be held at 4:30 p.m. in the Fairgrounds Arena.

The first go around begins Thursday morning at 8 a.m. with the timed events taking over the arena. The trade show opens at 9 a.m. The first performance on Friday begins at 9 a.m. and the second performance will begin at 5 p.m. Saturday will feature a performance at 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. The queen will be crowned at 4:30. Sunday’s championship go-around begins at 10 a.m.