BOWMAN — Junior High rodeo contestants came to decide their own fate, breaking records and solidifying top qualifiers to earn a spot on the National Junior High rodeo team representing North Dakota heading to Perry, Georgia June 19 through June 25, 2022.
“Keep following one course until success follows. Whenever things got tough through the season or didn’t go as planned, I would revisit goals and refocus. If this didn’t work, then you just need to work for it and believe in it and the plan and accept things for as they are. Work harder for the outcome and be proud knowing you gave your all,” said Reserve Bareback Riding Champ, Reserve Saddle Bronc & Reserve Tie Down Roping Champion, Chase Kling, sharing his youth words of wisdom.
Another cowgirl that set out to create her own destiny, fighting her way from 11th place in the breakaway coming into state finals and then cinching a national junior high qualification is Megan Dunlop. The upcoming freshman from Rolla had a stellar performance in the finals roping all three breakaway calves in under 3.2 seconds.
“Last year, I didn’t even make the short-go at state. I set a goal to make it, by consistently roping my cattle,” Dunlop explained.
Boys ‘Rookie of The Year Champion’ Cashin Carson, Grassy Butte, explained, “I really like North Dakota junior high rodeo, because I get to do a lot of events.” With that being said, the upcoming 7th grader won the year end Team Roping State Championship (with his brother, Cannin), the Boys Breakaway State Championship, and the Ribbon Roping State Championship.
Like the Carson brothers, Klings, and the Dunlops, rodeo represents plenty of family competitors. If the contestant isn’t roping with or against family, they are clearly finding partners that support the vision and uniting to make rodeo champions a reality across the state.
The crowd was on their feet the entire weekend, announcer Aaron Boerboom, Mott, kept the fire going with hours of nonstop rodeo. Rodeo committees, competitors, parents, family, and fellow North Dakota fans have made some of the best rodeo competitors in the nation.
“Just getting to be a cowboy is what I like to do, being in the arena is just a bonus in life,” said Kling.
North Dakota will be represented with a team and their equine partners, full of grit, composure, and skill this upcoming summer almost two-thousand miles southbound.
For all state finals results and further information: ndjhrd.com.
