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

April 19, 2005

57th Annual NHSFR to Return to Gillette, Wyoming

DENVER, CO - The National High School Finals Rodeo ­ The World’s Largest Rodeo ­ returns to Gillette, Wyoming for the seventh time in 13 years July 18-24, 2005.

CAM-PLEX will play host to the crowning event in high school rodeo as contestants from 40 states, five Canadian provinces and Australia vie for national titles, assorted prizes and their share of more than $200,000 in college scholarships. An estimated 1,500 contestants will take part in the 57th annual NHSFR.

Action at the NHSFR is non-stop. Rodeo performances are conducted twice each day (9 a.m. and 7 p.m.) for the first six days. The top 20 contestants in each event then advance to the final round on Sunday (July 24) to determine who will walk away with those coveted championship buckles.

Boy’s events at the NHSFR include bareback riding, bull riding, saddle bronc riding, calf roping, steer wrestling, team roping and cutting. Girl’s events include breakaway roping, barrel racing, pole bending, goat tying, cutting, team roping and the queen’s contest. Boys and girls compete together in team roping, but are separate in all other events.

In addition to the rodeo action, numerous events are scheduled throughout the week ­ keeping contestants and their families busy throughout the day. States can compete in volleyball and basketball tournaments, shooting competitions and a knowledge bowl. A western trade show also offers a plethora of western-themed merchandise including everything from western art to ropes and saddles. Both cowboys and city slickers will find something to catch their interest at the show.

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.
For more information on the NHSFR, contact the NHSRA at (800) 466-4772 or visit the Association’s website at www.nhsra.org.

-30-