Young cowboys and girls had their game faces on last weekend at the Stampede Grounds during the Battle River High School Rodeo Association’s (BRHSRA) first rodeo of the season.
Walker Galloway, president of the BRHSRA, says being able to compete at the Stampede Grounds is always a pleasure for young athletes. “It’s the best facility in the world by far.”
He says corporate sponsorship helped ensure the association could bring in stock for the event. Parents also make it possible for competitors to travel many miles to these rodeos.
“They’re definitely the biggest part of the every kid’s rodeo career,” he explained.
The high school rodeo season has just begun and Galloway feels these events give young athletes a chance to learn not only rodeo skills, but what it takes to put on a rodeo and the many pieces involved to ensure the schedule runs smoothly.
“It’s more of a learning environment,” explained Galloway.
There are two divisions in high school rodeo; grades 6 to 8 compete in the junior high division and grades 9 to 12 compete in the high school division. Galloway says the goal for the latter is to compete in the National High School Rodeo Finals in Rock Springs, WY.
He feels Ponoka has a strong chance at competing in the finals. “Our club’s pretty tough.”
For BRHSRA’s 25th anniversary, a saddle was awarded to the boys and girls high point. Competitors came from across Alberta including Irma, Crossfield, Stettler, Thorsby, Sturgeon County and Drayton Valley among others.