Monte Faulkner, 13, an 8th grader at Escalante Middle School in Tierra Amarilla finished in the top 20 in steer saddle bronc riding last week in Huron, South Dakota. He was the Reserve Grand Champion at the New Mexico state finals, which qualified him for the national event. This is his second time to qualify for the national competion. Faulkner maintains a 3.2 GPA and loves hunting and fishing in his spare time. He has a small herd of his own commercial cows and enjoys working on the family ranch. His favorite thing about riding steer saddle broncs is the adrenaline rush and the opportunity to go to rodeos all over. His parents are Sage and Shane Faulkner. Courtesy photo