Pair of teens earn spot in National Rodeo competition

STAFF REPORT ~ 6/22/2011
Sonoran Trails Middle School’s Aspyn Dent and Gavilan Peak’s Savana Egge have earned spots on the Arizona National Junior High rodeo team.
Earlier this month the North Valley residents competed in a regional competition for the opportunity to travel to the 7th annual National Junior High Finals Rodeo Sunday – July 2 in Gallup, New Mexico.
The two eight graders will be among 1,000 contestants from 47 states, Canadian provinces and Australia competing in the world’s largest junior high rodeo.
Egge will compete in pole bending after finishing second in the qualifier. Dent will compete in three events after finishing first in both Goat tying, Ribbon Roper and took fourth as a breakaway roper.
In addition to competing for more than $75,000 in prizes, NJHFR contestants will also be vying for more than $100,000 in college scholarships and the chance to be named the National Junior High Finals Rodeo National Champion.
To earn the title, contestants must finish in the top 20 after two rounds of competition in order to advance to Saturday’s final championship performance.
The NJHFR will be televised nationally as part of the “Cinch Town Tour.” Go to nhsra.org for the broadcast schedule.