LOCAL TEENS COMPETE IN NATIONAL RODEO

SIKESTON -- While Sikeston has long been known as the home of one of the finest rodeos in the United States, it is gaining a reputation for being the home of some of the finest rodeo talent. Three teens with local ties will test their skills against 1,500 contestants from the U.S. and Canada in the National High School Finals Rodeo, July 19-25 in Gillette, Wyo.

The three, all members of the SEMO 4-H Club, qualified to represent Missouri after taking part in the Missouri State High School Rodeo Finals June 17-19 in Ozark. Erica Johnson of Sikeston, for pole bending; Ben Ray of Foristell, for team roping and Ty Ferrell of Sikeston for team roping.

Taking part in the world's largest rodeo, the three will compete for more than $70,000 in prizes and vie for more than $150,000 in college scholarships as well as the chance to be named National High School Rodeo champions. Those earning their way to the championship roundwill be featured on a national television broadcast.

A year ago, admitted Johnson, she never even thought of herself as a competitor in the pole bending competition. A timed event, pole bending requires the rider to make an intricate weave around six poles, turn and then weave back again.

She earned top ranking in the state earlier this year, her first year of taking part in competitive rodeo events. Her performance earned her the Rookie of the Year honors and a saddle for winning first place in the pole bending.

Winning a trophy saddle, trophy buckle and the Missouri State High School Rodeo traveling memorial award, Ray, the son of Lance and Jayne Ellen Ray of Foristell and the grandson of Buddy and Dianna Russell of East Prairie, defeated sophomores, juniors and seniors to earn the title of Champion Team Roping Header.

Ray also competes in the cutting and calf roping competitions and with year end results he finished as Reserve Rookie of the Year.

Ferrell, a senior at Sikeston High School this fall, placed fourth behind three competitors who are all a year older. The son of Frannie and Steve Ferrell, he began riding when he was 4 years old but the competitive calf roping came along later, along with steer wrestling and team roping.