Young Ponoka team roper Walker Galloway had a strong performance at the National High School Rodeo Finals (NHSRF) in Rock Springs, Wyoming Sunday, July 12 to 18.
He and partner Quentin Branden, from Barrhead, finished the average in fourth place after a fast time in the short go. The ropers were in 11th position but roped a calf in 6.14 seconds, which landed them in the second fastest time in the final performance, helping their overall average.
This was Walker’s second time at the NHSRF and he worked that much harder to do well. “We practiced every day before the trip,” said Walker.
Last year’s trip was not as fruitful and Walker and did not place but this year he and Branden spent many hours preparing for the trip.
“This year I didn’t feel the nerves quite as last year,” he added.
Ever since he was young, team roping has been the rodeo sport that Walker has enjoyed and being able to compete in the United States is something that gave him valuable experience. He advises younger rodeo contestants try and compete in as many rodeos as possible.
“The more you are around rodeos the better you are with pressure,” he suggested.
Walker and Branden ended 0.65 seconds behind third place and 3.58 seconds behind the leaders. Their effort in the short go earned the pair a buckle.