IJRA News Addie Keller
This year’s Gallup, NM trip was one I will never forget. Since it was my 8th grade year, I tried to make it the best trip yet. Nationals is always a great way to meet new people, and see new things. I made sure to do a lot of that this year! Even though it is a very enjoyable trip, we all need to realize what a great opportunity it really is. I’m proud to say that I competed in the Jr. High National Finals. It was an experience that I will remember forever.
Kyle Mackey
I had a great time this year at the Cinch National Finals Rodeo in Gallup NM. I qualified in Chute Dogging, Team Roping, Calf Roping and Ribbon Roping. I did not do as well as I would have liked to but I did better than the past two years. Our Indiana team did really well this year. I would like to thank my family and sponsors for helping me get out there.
Brandon Tolbert
I competed at the Cinch Junior High National Finals competing in bull riding and boys break away roping. I’ve been in Cinch for 2 years but this was my first trip to the National Finals. It was a whole different experience than the rodeos back home because their were so many more competitors. What I enjoyed the most about Nationals was all the great stock that the contractors brought for us to be able to compete and meeting new people from all over the United States as well as Canada and Australia. I would like to thank God for helping provide the opportunity, strength and talent to be able to compete at this level. I would also like to thank my parents, friends and family that supported me when many people thought I was crazy to want to rodeo.
Jenna Byers
This was my first and final year of CINCH and I’m looking forward to moving on to High
School Rodeo in the fall. I competed in barrel racing, pole bending and goat tying. My greatest achievement throughout my rodeo career thus far is my horse, Socket. Socket had zero rodeo experience when I started working with him less than a year ago….. and while he still isn’t turning in winning times quite yet, he is turning in consistent runs each and every time. My next goal is to take him to the next level speed wise and see where we go from there. I would like to thank all of those who have given me pointers and assistance throughout the year. I would also like to thank my Dad for spending so much time hauling to and from the rodeos and supporting me. Plus, my Mom for always being there showing me support and giving me positive encouragement.
Evan DuBois
With Cinch JHNFR 2013, I completed my third year as a Cinch team member. My events were lite rifle shooting and boys breakaway roping. My goals for this season were to qualify to compete in national finals. This year in rodeo, I learned that I had the skills and desire I needed to make it to nationals. I had my best breakaway run ever in my first go at finals, needless to say I was really nervous and excited at the same time. I finished 71st out of 147 in breakaway. Because of the strong winds and the sand getting into my gun, I didn’t shoot as well as I would’ve liked, but I still had fun. I would have to say the most memorable parts were sitting around a camp fire after every performance. The most fun I have had this season was the truck ride to finals. I would like to thank my father Darren DuBois for always getting me called in on time for all of my rodeos and for paying all of my entry fees. I would also like to thank Cory Griffiths for letting me rope on his wonderful horse all year long, I wouldn’t have been able to do it without them both. I would also like to thank Mike Mackey for hauling me to nationals and back home. Also, I would like to thank the Oswalt family for the time they took to coach me. I would not be able to do as well as I do without any of you. Finally, I want to thank my generous donors, Food & Fuel Quick Mart of Hartford City, Mr. Dan and Dr. Helen Borgenheimer, and Keplinger Funeral Home.
Anna Dietrich
This was my last year traveling to Gallup, New Mexico. As I move up to high school I can take all the memories that were made in my 3 years at the NJHFR with me. I met so many amazing people and I’m thankful to have such a great opportunity. I had so much fun in the rodeo arena and out. When the week came to and end it was disappointing to know I wouldn’t be back to Gallup, but hopefully I get the chance to go to Wyoming as well. I pulled out with 3 buckles and many unforgettable memories.
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