Los Alamos Middle School 8th grade student Reed Trujillo chute dogging during the May 24-25 State Finals in Lovington. Photo by Jennings Photography

Aspen Elementary School 6th grader Paige Trujillo dismounting during a goat-tying run during the May 24-25 State Finals in Lovington. Photo by Jennings Photography

BY RONDA TRUJILLO

Teagan Trujillo and Reed Trujillo both 8th graders at Los Alamos Middle School and Paige Trujillo, a 6th grader at Aspen Elementary School in Los Alamos, cousins that all reside in Abiquiu, NM, have just earned positions on the 2024 New Mexico state/provincial National Junior High rodeo team. The cousins will be traveling to Des Moines, IA, June 23 thru 29 to compete at the 19th annual National Junior High Finals Rodeo (NJHFR). The top four contestants in year-end points for each rodeo event at the state level, qualify to compete at the National Rodeo.

Teagan is the New Mexico Junior High State Champion in Girls Goat Tying and fourth place finisher in Ribbon Roping. Teagan is the daughter of Tanner and Lenni Trujillo.

Reed is the New Mexico Junior High Reserve State Champion in Boys Goat Tying, the third place finisher in Chute Dogging and place finisher in Light Rifle. Paige is the third-place finisher in the Girls Goat Tying. Reed and Paige are the children of Cody and Ronda Trujillo. Each of these placings give Teagan, Reed and Paige the qualifications to compete in Iowa. In other events,

Teagan finished the year in 8th place in Team Roping (heeler) and also finishing in the top 15 for Girls Breakaway. Reed finished up the year in 6th place in Team Roping (header) and 6thplace in Tie-Down Roping. Paige finished the year in 5th place in the light rifle competition and participated in breakaway roping and ribbon roping throughout the year. When Teagan, Reed and Paige compete at Junior High Nationals in a few weeks, they will be three of among roughly 1,200 contestants from 43 U.S. States, 5 Canadian Provinces, Australia, and Mexico. The NJHFR is the world’s largest junior high rodeo. In addition to competing for more than $80,000 in prizes, NJHFR contestants will also be competing for more than $200,000 in college scholarships and the chance to be named a National Junior High Finals Rodeo World Champion.

To earn this title, contestants must finish in the top 20 – based on their combined times/scores in the first two go-rounds to advance to Saturday evening’s final round. World champions will then be determined based on their three go-round combined times/scores. Added money for the optional jackpot has increased to $100,000 and is available to everyone at finals who enters the jackpot in their event. Again, this year, the Saturday championship performance will be televised nationally as a part of the Cinch High School Rodeo Tour telecast series on RFD-TV. Live broadcasts of all NJHFR performances will air on: https://www.cowboychannelplus.com/ .

Performance times are 7 p.m. on June 23 and 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. each day thereafter. Along with great rodeo competition and the chance to meet new friends from around the world, NJHFR contestants have the opportunity to enjoy shooting sports, volleyball, contestant dances, family-oriented activities, church services, and shopping at the NJHFR tradeshow, as well as visiting area attractions in Des Moines. To follow your local favorites at the NJHFR, visit http://www.NHSRA.com daily for complete results.

Good luck to Teagan, Reed and Paige Trujillo in Iowa!

Los Alamos Middle School 8th grade student Teagan Trujillo dismounting during a goat-tying run during the May 24-25 State Finals in Lovington. Photo by Jennings Photography

LAMS 8th grader Reed Trujillo dismounting on a goat-tying run during the May 24-25 State Finals in Lovington. Photo by Jennings Photography

LAMS 8th grader Reed Trujillo shooting in the prone position in a Light Rifle event during the May 24-25 State Finals in Lovington. Photo by Jennings Photography

LAMS 8th grader Teagan Trujillo and partner Hayden Wheeler competing in the Ribbon Roping during the May 24-25 State Finals in Lovington. Photo by Jennings Photography