Kentucky High School Rodeo Assoc. has completed another year and about to start the fall rodeo season. This past year was a little tuff in some areas but, when we got to the finals we achieved great things.

   First, we as an association put together a basket for the crisis fund silent auction that set a new record for KY We did well last year with over $250.00 raised. This year we raised over $550.00. Great job moms!

   As Saturday night came around I had the pleasure of being entertained by our new Queen, when she did a wonderful job giving her speech in the Queen competition.  You made our state proud Alesha.

   When the rodeo started our Cowgirls and Cowboys began to shine. At the end of the first performance we had a rookie cowgirl in the top five for rookie of the year. Way to go Ellie!  We also were treated to a performance win by Jessi with a 3 second run in breakaway. I think after the first three perfs. Our girls were in about 14th place, with the help of Taylor and a 20 sec. pole run.

   Our boys team did well also. Cody got his steer down in the steer wrestling. Ryan got is calf tied, and Wesley at his first High School Finals, got his calf down.

    When the second round started our luck changed a bit. Our cowboys and cowgirls were so close to making the short go. Cody was only a couple strides of his horse from making the short go in steer wrestling. Wesley just missed the short go with both calves down at his first finals. Taylor, one pole away in pole bending. Jessi was so close, we all gasp as her loop fell short. DD, what can you say about this man. I say man not because of his accomplishments at this finals but, because of the way he tried. See, after his first attempt on his first round bull, which resulted in no score, DD knew he had to make a great ride on his second bull to make the short go. He knew he would need a lot of style points on his second bull, if he was to make the short go. Yep, he knew he had to pull every trick out of his hat.  So, he tried a move that has been tried by many and accomplished by few.  That's right; he would attempt to touch the bull with his head without losing his seat. DD you were so close to making this move pay. Glad to hear you are doing well. Our prayers for a fast recovery.

    We had a few other accomplishments that we should be very proud of.  Alesha placed in the 50/50 sales contest. I believe it was over $2500.00 in sales. That's a first for KY.  Wesley shot his way to a second place in the NRA event. I believe we have a streak going in that event.

    We also have to give credit to one of our own for thrilling the crowd. It's not every day that one contestant can single handedly boost the video sales of the High School Finals Rodeo, at the same time cause the National Board of Directors to contemplate adding a new event to the association. Yes, "RABBIT TRACKING". Logistically the event is going to be a little hard to pull off.  First, we don't have Jack Rabbit's native to all states and provinces.  Second, how do we keep the rabbit in the arena?  Third, will it be a timed event or judged?  Most of all how will other states ever measure up to the first ever rabbit run in High School Rodeo.  The bar has been set so high we should probably leave it the way it is.  We have seen the best, thanks, Hanna!

    So, we have a lot to build on after a finals like we just had. It's going to be a great year.  Bring your ideas to the first rodeo and let’s move our association forward.

         Russell S. Kreider

Kentucky High School Rodeo National Dir.