POCATELLO, IDAHO – By Mark Hirschi – June 10, 2021
Idaho State High School Rodeo finals has begun in Pocatello, Idaho this week, June 5-12, 2021. The contestants compete in three rounds to qualify for the short round on Saturday, June 12, and a chance to punch a ticket to Nationals. The contestants need to finish in the top four to earn a spot in the national finals rodeo in Lincoln, Nebraska, July 18-24, 2021.
Local cowboys and cowgirls from Box Elder County competing include Hailey Jo Gibbs (breakaway, goat tying and team roping), Ty Hawkes (bareback), Tyson Hirschi (bareback, saddle bronc and bulls), Lexi Ormond (pole bending), Raegan Steed (barrels, breakaway, goat tying and team roping), Wyatt Stephens (calf roping, steer wrestling and team roping), Laken Warr (goat tying), Kendell Williams (goat tying), Waylan White (bulls and team roping) and Darian Johnson (bareback and team roping).
The ups and downs of rodeo have already begun this week as the first round has come to a finish.
Bareback Riding – Darian Johnson scored a 63 in the first round to finish in 8th for the round. Tyson Hirschi hung on to a rough one for a score of 53. Ty Hawkes had a rough start with a no score.
Poles – Lexi Ormond had a time of 23.393, she finished in the middle of the pack and will need to put in a few good runs to try to get to nationals.
Goat Tying – Hailey Jo Gibbs had a great start with finishing 3rd with the time of 7.84. Laken Warr had a time of 9.00. Raegan Steed had a time of 9.18 narrowly avoiding a penalty as her horse had come to a stop to avoid the goat and Kendall Williams had a wild goat that cost her some time that she will need to make up as she had a time of 13.02.
Saddle Bronc – Tyson Hirschi came off early for a no score.
Steer Wrestling – Wyatt Stephens is off to a good start finishing 5th in the first round with a time of 5.76.
Breakaway Roping – Hailey Jo Gibbs just finished out of the top 10 with a 3.8. Raegan Steed had a tough break as she broke the barrier and finished with a 12.27.
Tie Down Roping - Wyatt Stephens had a good run with 11.88 for a 6th place finish.
Barrels – Raegan Steed had a great start with a time of 17.627 good enough for 3rd place.
Bulls – Tyson Hirschi and Waylan White both came up empty. There were three qualified rides in the bulls so plenty of opportunity left in this event.
Steer Wrestling – Wyatt Stephens is off to a good start finishing 5th in the first round with a time of 5.76.
Team Roping - Waylan White, Hailey Jo Gibbs, Reagan Steed, Wyatt Stephens and Darian Johnson all came up empty. The steers are running fast look forward to these contestants to make some adjustments for round two.
