By Carson Ellis
For the Stettler Independent
The Stettler Junior Winter Series returned to the Stettler Agri-plex on Saturday, Dec. 16. The event is one of four events planned to keep local rodeo riders active during the ‘off-season.’
The day started with the nine and under category. There were seven contestants in the barrel racing with Peyton Becker taking first place. Another seven competed in Pole Bending, with Kayla Boxma taking first with a run of 26.24 seconds.
Boxma also took first place in the girl’s goat tying. Brant Elder was the only contestant in Boy’s goat tying. There were two contestants in the age six to nine Breakaway Roping, but both contestants were unable to qualify.
The next portion of the competition was open to those aged ten to thirteen. Molly Becker placed first out of 13 entrants in the Barrel Racing with a time of 14.222 seconds. Second place went to Mercedes Wallman’s 14.435, followed closely by Harper Lee with 15.013 seconds.
Pole Bending had 14 contestants and saw Rayelle Rose taking first place with 23.162 seconds. Ryley Baker and Harper Lee took second and third place respectively. Overall times were close for the event, however, several contestants suffered time penalties.
Erin Edge took first place in the girls’ Goat Tying with 11.258 seconds. Molly Becker came in second at 11.513. Wyatt Elder and Daxton Erickson competed in Boys’ Goat Tying, but Erickson ended up with no time.
Before the Breakaway Roping for the age group, riders and guests held a moment of silence paying tribute to the recent passing of long-time Ag Society member Elaine Ross. Ross was noted as a very active member of the society.
The steers seemed to get the best of the riders, with many of the entrants failing to achieve a qualifying time. Rayelle Rose took first place with 3.85 seconds.
Oakley Cochrane started the 14 to 19 group taking first in the Barrel Racing event. Cochrane achieved 14.56 seconds and Kayla Hronek took second with a time of 14.69. Cochrane also took first in the Pole Bending with a time of 22.30. Hronek would take second again with a time of 22.31
Girls’ Goat Tying had three contestants in the category; Mattie Jensen took first in the event at 11.64 seconds.
Denim Ross’ 2.57 seconds would give him first place in the Breakaway Roping. Second place went to Aubrey Ross with 2.98 seconds.
Team Roping started with the 10 to 13 category. The four teams all put in a good effort but Austin McDougal and Chesney Anderson were the only ones who were able to hold a qualifying time. The 14 to 19 Team Roping teams had slightly better luck. First place went to Kavis Drake and Denim Ross. Ross also earned second place with Chase Anderson. Ross also placed first in the Family Team Roping.
The Junior Rodeo Series will take a break in January before concluding on Feb. 3 and 24, 2024. The winter season series began on Nov. 25, 2023.