By By Tim Cottrell
For many years, junior high school rodeo participants have dreamed of competing in a national competition.
This year, the National High School Rodeo Association (NHSRA) has fixed that problem
The NHSRA has formed the Junior Wrangler Division for cowboys and cowgirls in sixth, seventh, and eighth grades to compete in a national competition. A Junior Wrangler event was held Saturday in Clanton, and the state finals will be held April 16 in Prattville.
Three local youths will compete in Alabama's Junior Wrangler competition, Cheyanne Buckhault of Atmore, Brandi Harville of Bay Minette and Trey Hedrick of Excel.
In addition to local competitors, Monica Buckhault of Atmore, who is also Cheyanne's mother, is the secretary for Alabama Jr. Wrangler.
"It's just something new," Buckhault said. "We've been trying to get a national competition for junior high students. Huey Bellisle of Montgomery started up the program. He's the director for Alabama."
The first Alabama Wrangler Division rodeo was held in Autaugaville on March 26, according to an article from the NHSRA Times, submitted by Buckhault.
The article by Kellie Carr, Wrangler Division Assistant Coordinator, mentioned several great performances by local wranglers.
Cheyanne Buckhault had the honor of posting the flags prior to the event, and also finished second in girl's goat-tying. Brandi Harville won the goat-tying event, and finished third in barrel racing and in ribbon roping. Trey Hedrick won boy's goat-tying and second place in breakaway roping and team roping.
The event in Prattville on April 16 will determine the competitors who go to the national competition in Gallup, N.M. July 5-8.
"They take the Top 4 in boys and girls," Buckhault said. "We've only got 20, so a lot will get to go."
Buckhault felt that the 20 Alabama youths who entered the Wrangler Division would be remembered.
"These kids will go down in history," Buckhault said. "They were the first."