The Elko Jr/High School Rodeo was held October 6-8, 2023, at the Horse Palace in Spring Creek, Nevada. The White Pine team showed up in reduced numbers due to a schedule conflict with White Pine Homecoming, but those who attended represented the team well.
In the high school division, Hannah Benjamin had a good weekend, shooting trap for 3rd place overall and maintaining her hold on the number 3 spot in the state. Heston Rimington also competed in trap, placing 5th overall and gave two valiant efforts in the bull riding, but was unable to cover either of his bulls. Travis Rimington drew some tough stock this weekend and they got the better of him as well, despite giving it his all. They will both be ready to even the score next time in Alamo.
The junior high division had a respectable showing as well. Sawyer Bliss finished the weekend with points placings in all his events, earning him the “Did Something Cool” award. He placed 3rd in the average in the ribbon roping with his partner Taylor, maintaining their number 1 spot in the state, he placed 4th in the average in breakaway roping, 7th in the average in goat tying, breaking his personal best time, and he and Henry were 9th in the average in the team roping, struggling a bit but hanging in there for points nonetheless.
Sawyer Bliss earned the “Did Something Cool” award by placings in all his events this past weekend
Lia Lawson navigated a new arena setting and tight quarters in the pole bending placing 21st in the average but gaining some valuable experience. Lia also placed 22nd in the average in the barrel racing, putting more runs under her belt to build on.
Kiala Reynolds continued her upswing in the barrel racing, making two solid, smooth runs for 3rd in the average, maintaining her number 2 spot in the state. She also had two clean pole bending runs, bettering the first day significantly with the second and placing 12th in the average. She had mixed results in the breakaway roping, but still came out with an 11th place finish in the average.
Laila Trujillo had some hard luck in the barrel racing the first day but cleaned it up the second day for 24th in the average and made big improvements from the first to the second day in the pole bending for 18th in the average, putting her a step closer to gaining those coveted points. All these kids have the next one in their sights and are ready to do the work.
The next rodeo will be in Alamo, October 27-29, 2023. You can bet the three-week reprieve between hauls will be used well to continue conditioning, both mentally and physically. These kids will be ready to dig deep and go up against their peers, with the World Finals still within reach of each of these young athletes. Good luck in Alamo White Pine!
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