Rio Arriba County junior high/high school rodeo contestants include, from left, Stetson Trujillo, Monte Faulkner, Keelin Faulkner, Addison Tixier and Wacey Trujillo. Not pictured is Miguel Martinez. Photo by Sage Faulkner
Wacey Trujillo competes in goat tying. Courtesy photo
Stetson Trujillo competes in boys breakaway. Courtesy photo
JUNIOR HIGH/HIGH SCHOOL RODEO NEWS
Several Rio Arriba County junior high/high school rodeo contestants have had a fun and successful year in state competition and several have qualified for Nationals.
Wacey Trujillo of Abiquiu is the New Mexico Junior High School Rodeo Association girls goat tying 2021 Champion. She is also the Reserve State Champ in girls breakaway, 4th in ribbon roping and will go to Nationals in all three events! She finished 5th in barrels.
Stetson Trujillo of Abiquiu is the Reserve State Champion in chute dogging, Reserve State Champ in boys goat tying, 3rd in light rifle and will go to Nationals in all three. He also finished 5th in team roping and 7th in boys breakaway. Stetson is also one of four New Mexico junior high contestants that will be a youth delegate for the state at finals. Both Trujillo cousins just finished their 7th grade year at Los Alamos Middle School.
Addison Tixier of Lindrith is Reserve State Champion in light rifle and will compete in Nationals. Addi just finished her 7th grade year at Coronado Middle School in Gallina.
Miguel Martinez of Chama is Reserve State Champion in junior high bull riding and qualified for Nationals.
Monte Faulkner of Los Ojos is the High School State Champion in Saddlebronc Riding and qualified for High School Nationals. Monte just finished his freshman year at Escalante High School in Tierra Amarilla.
The Trujillo cousins and Addi Tixier will be heading to Des Moines, Iowa from June 20 – June 26 to compete against contestants from 48 states, Canada, Mexico and Australia for the title of National Champion.
The National Junior High Finals Rodeo falls under the umbrella of the National High School Rodeo Association. They take every measure possible to make sure the kids and livestock are safe. The first couple of days after check-in is spent checking equipment to give the athletes, both human and animal, their best shot during the performance. The week of finals is also packed with activities for the kids to do besides just the performances. They have the choice to participate in anything from volleyball tournaments to PRCA Mini-Camps or Training Days with some of the best athletes. It’s great because this experience turns into much more than just winning the championship as these kids are also getting great experience as well. Good luck to all the contestants.