By STEPHANIE BUNKER
Moapa Valley Progress
The High School Rodeo brought in a few more boots, spurs, and buckles into town on the weekend of March 25-26. It was an event that hasn’t happened here at home in Moapa Valley for 7 years. But the Moapa Valley High School Rodeo Club determined to put in the work to bring the show to town this year. The event was held at the Clark County Fairground Rodeo Arena.
“It takes a lot of work to put on a rodeo, and at least $10,000,” said Yolanda Scronce, a parent of local rodeo contestants. “The kids worked hard to get sponsors.”
Scronce explained that those in the club helped plan and organize the order of events and rounded up extra stalls where contestants could keep their horses. They even cleaned all of the stalls the day after everyone left.
“They worked really hard and they did so well,” Scronce said. “I’m proud of them!”
The club’s hard work paid off with a successful rodeo event, as well as in earnings when several of the local club members won their events.
Haley Bowen and Jordan Taylor are making their last year as seniors count. Bowen placed 2nd in barrel racing on Saturday and took 1st place on Sunday. This gave her the winning average score. Bowen also took part of breakaway roping, and team roping.
“It’s been a great experience and tournament to be a part of,” said Haley’s mother Theresa Bowen. “We go to a lot of rodeos and it’s a lifestyle for her.”
Bowen is homeschooled so that she can practice her events more during the day.
Jordan Taylor did well in the rodeo winning the saddle bronc riding on Sunday and placing in the calf roping. He also participated in the team roping event.
A Senior recognition ceremony was held during the rodeo for both Taylor and Bowen as it’s their last home event.
Oakley Scronce, a freshman, did well in her events as well. This gave her enough points to earn the title of Rookie of the Weekend. She won 1st place on Saturday in barrel racing and placed in the top 5 on both days in team roping. Scronce also placed in pole bending.
Oakley’s sister Trinity competes in the Jr. High School Rodeo and won the average in barrel racing with by placing 1st in barrels on Saturday and 2nd on Sunday. She also did well in team roping, goat tying, and pole bending.
Brother and sister duo Cole and Riley Christensen also participated in the weekend’s event. Riley, a 6th grader, was in the Jr. Rodeo and placed well enough in all of her events to win Rookie of the Weekend.
Shane Pulsipher doesn’t participate in the High School Rodeo circuit but he was still part of the action here in his hometown. He placed 11th in the team roping.
Yolanda Scronce was very thankful for the event’s sponsors who helped pay for the stock, pay-out money, and other items. A couple of big sponsors were BEX Sunglasses, who brought their trailer to the rodeo, and Biomane, which was also a big contributor at the rodeo. Many others also helped make it happen.
