By NICK YAMASHITA
The Progress
The Junior Livestock Show and 4-H Festival held last weekend included three popular nights of amateur rodeo. All of these were well attended.
But Thursday night was the WRCA-sanctioned ‘locals’ rodeo event. That night, the talent was gathered together from within the local communities.
It was the open team roping event that brought in most of the cowboy competitors from Moapa and Virgin Valleys. Hagen Peterson took two checks home as he placed with two different partners. He took first place with his partner Austin Carter and a blazing time of 5.32 seconds ($854).
Logandale residents Jason Adams and Jory Levy took 2nd setting another lightning fast time of 5.75 seconds. Fourth place went to Moapa cowboy Chet Pulsipher and Logandale cowboy Nels Bowen.
The cowgirls took center stage in the breakaway roping event early in the evening. The contestants showed their skills as 14 out of 18 completed the requirements for a time.
The fastest time went to Kassie Cattoor of Hurricane, Utah, at 3.67 seconds. But the fastest local competitor was Britney Levy, taking 6th place at 4.69.
Local kids also got in on the act as the mutton-bustin event brought smiles and laughter to the crowd. The win was split by a tie between two local cowboys, Randon Adams and Astyn Levy.
The tie-down roping was a tough event as half of the competitors did not record times. First place went to Chance Bullock with a time of 12.52 and $595.
Chute Dogging first place went to Montee Munns out of Vegas, wrestling the steer down in 2.53 seconds.
At about halfway point, the kids of ages 10 and under got to have some fun with a “cash cow” grab. Two calves with bills in all different denominations taped to them were set loose in the arena. The kids chased them down, picking the cash off them. After a few minutes, the calves were stripped clean and the kids kept their captured fortunes.
The event got back on track with the 10 team roping. It was a tough night for most of the cowboys as only 6 recorded times out of 25 teams. Second place went to the Logandale younguns Cole and Rilee Christensen with 9.77. The top prize of $840 went to Preston Wadsworth and Tyler Mason with a time of 7.45.
The ladies again took center stage at the end for barrel racing. MV legend Teresa Bowen took 4th at 17.614. Top honors went to Tilly Jenski in the event as she scorched through the course with a 17.463.
“We are very grateful to everyone who helped out in our program,” said Fallon Griffith who coordinated the event through REHAB Roping Productions. “The kids and competitors and everyone had fun!”
On Friday and Saturday nights the rough stock came out for an amateur/semi-professional rodeo that didn’t disappoint the fans.
One of the fan favorites was the mini-bull riding. Young cowboys mounted the mini-bulls and rode into the hearts of the fans.
Friday’s winner was Titus Morgan who scored a 66 atop White Lightning. Morgan also won the overall first place in the 11-13 age division for this ride.
The Big Bulls then took the spotlight. Elijah Monnet scored a 76 for his top Friday night ride. On Saturday, the top score went to Rylan Wright with a 77. That score won Wright the overall championship in the event.
Team Roping again highlighted local cowboys on Friday and Saturday. Top honors went to TJ Bowler and Cody Hall with a smoking time of 3.97 seconds.
The overall winner in the Barrel Racing event was Maya Hall with a time of 18.28.
The Ranch Broncs event was a crowd favorite with some great cowboys competing for cash. But it was Travon Cowdell’s ride for 79 points that got everyone on their feet applauding. Cowdell went on to tie for first place with Osten Higley, both of whom rode both nights to tally matching scores of 152.
The Saddle Bronc riding also gave thrills and chills to the fans. Statler Wright scored an 83 and an 84 on two rides to secure the overall champion with a score of 167.
All of the week’s rodeo events were free of admission. Commissioner Marilyn Kirkpatrick was given special recognition for her part in making the event successful. It was her insistence that the entire event should be free to the public.
But a collection barrel was taken up at the front gates and attendees were generous. A total of $1,454 was collected from the donations. That money will be split evenly between the CCJLA and the local 4-H.
In addition, checks from event organizers were also donated to the CCJLA. On Thursday night, REHAB Roping Productions presented a check for $2,500 to CCJLA Secretary Missy Hardy. Then on Saturday night, Hardy received another check from Gatsby Racing for $5,000.
“This will really help us in giving the kids a great experience, education, and things they need for their livestock experience,” Hardy said. “Thank you to everyone and the sponsors for your continued support.”
