IJRA
IJRA News
Story provided by: Rachel Thomas
Part 2: Team Indiana at the Jr. High Division National Finals
Welcome back for Part II of Team Indiana at the Jr. High National Finals. As we said last month, Team Indiana hit the road in June and safely arrived in Gallup, NM before the start of the Cinch Jr. High Division National Finals. All nineteen members had worked hard and put in many hours in the practice pen hoping to make their mark in Gallup. The week turned out to be full of tough competition, lots of excitement, great sportsmanship, new experiences, and many memories. Team Indiana watched as one of their own was elected to the position of Jr. High Division National Secretary, three made it back to the short go, and one member brought back a National Championship in the Chute Dogging. Again this month, Team Indiana will share their experiences and give us more of a look into the trip they will never forget.
Michael Shreeve Salamonia, IN. I competed in Boys Breakaway Roping, Chute Dogging, Team Roping, Light Rifle Shooting (ended up 11th in the nation), and Bull Riding. My favorite part about New Mexico was seeing all my old friends and making new friends. Other favorites were hiking up to church rock for the 3rd time, the trade show, and the dummy ropings. Lastly, the rodeo is always fun. When you are running through the gate in the big arena, backing your horse in the box, getting in the chute with your steer, looking up at all the people watching you, or my favorite, getting on the back of the bull - New Mexico is just the most amazing feeling in rodeo!!
Jacob Rorig Brownstown, IN Making it to the finals was such a great experience. I had some ups and downs, but it all worked out great. I was just happy that I caught
Page 54
Photos provided by IJRA
in my breakaway. I had lots of fun at the volleyball tournament and the tug of war. I think the thing that was the best was spending a lot of time with my friends and meeting new ones. It was a wonderful experience being there.
Abbi White Wilkinson, IN Ahhh…. Gallup, my first time there and it was a wonderful experience…..not only for me but our entire Indiana Team. The rodeo experience itself was very different from what we are normally used to, so fast paced, exiting competition and responsibility. This trip helped to set my goals for next year, this year I only made it in light rifle but felt so blessed to have the opportunity and there weren’t many girls shooting. It makes me excited and setting my goals higher for the upcoming season. I would recommend to anyone to take the challenge and have the experience! Opportunity of a lifetime!
Madelynn Farris Elizabeth, IN Gallup was very fun and a different experience for me. I got to meet a lot of new people from different states, which was neat! I have set a few goals for next year if I make it, because the competition is really tuff and I would like to make it to the short go one year. So that means I will have to practice harder to improve in my events. I hope to make it there again next year because it was a lot of fun and it taught me again that hard work pays off.