For More Information:
Mike Hausmann
Media Coordinator
National High School Rodeo Association
1-800-466-4772
mike@nhsra.org

April 19, 2005

Gallup, New Mexico to Host Inaugural Wrangler Junior High Finals Rodeo

Denver, Colorado ­ For the first time ever, the nation’s top junior high cowboys and cowgirls will battle for national championships and more than $50,000 in college scholarships and prestigious prizes at a finals event.

The National High School Rodeo Association partnered with longtime rodeo supporter Wrangler Western Wear to create the NHSRA Wrangler Division for junior high school competitors. A total of 30 U.S. states and Canadian provinces are eligible to send finalists to the event, which be held July 5-8 at Red Rock Park in Gallup, New Mexico.

“Finally, there is an opportunity for students to compete on the national level before they reach high school,” said Jared Higby, coordinator of the Wrangler Division. “This opportunity will help make these kids more competitive in high school, simply because they’ve been able to experience a national finals. Without great sponsors such as Wrangler, this new division would have never become reality.”

Junior high competitors will follow the NHSRA’s rules in events including junior bull riding, calf roping, breakaway roping, goat tying, chute dogging, team roping, ribbon roping, barrel racing, pole bending, and goat tying. Sponsors of the 2005 Wrangler Junior High Finals Rodeo include Wrangler, Gist Silversmiths, Ariat, Tod Slone Saddles, the American Quarter Horse Association, Wrangler Hats, Professional’s Choice, Carhartt, Millennium Media, Inc., the National Rifle Association, Osprey Watches, Horsecity.com, BCR Awards, Cabela’s, Professional Bull Riders, and The Gallup Herald.

The NHSRA is one of the fastest growing youth organizations in the nation, with an annual membership of over 10,500 students from 40 states, five Canadian provinces and Australia. The Association sanctions over 1,100 rodeos each year. The NHSRA is governed by a national board of directors, which consists of one member from each state or province. A staff at the national headquarters in Denver, Colorado, handles the day-to-day operations.

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