RODEO: YOUNGSTERS VIE FOR STATE WHIRL

FRUITLAND -- The bull-rider was Jason Griffin of Advance, who wanted to make a name for himself among area high school cowboys. The bull was Gator Stomper of Florida, who doesn't care for cowboys.

They got to know each other for a few tense seconds during the Missouri High School Rodeo Sunday at Flickerwood Arena in Fruitland. Their tumultuous relationship ended when Griffin, one of the best riders in the district, heard the final buzzer, jumped from Stomper's back and ran for cover.

It was high school rodeo at its best.

About 90 barrel racers, pole benders, steer wrestlers and other rodeo competitors came together for a two-day rodeo that could qualify them for the state high school rodeo in June. Some will advance to nationals in Gillette, Wyo., in July.

Nick Adams, who won the bareback-riding competition, said he plans to be in national competition for a second consecutive year. The 17-year-old Steelville native began competing two years ago after seeing three of his peers do well in rodeo.

His parents didn't like the idea at first, but they were sold after the first year.

"They were afraid I would get hurt, and they thought it was a waste of money," Adams said. "It was, but now I win my money back."

He said new riders should never give up. Even Adams had problems when he began as a bull-rider. He found his niche when he took up bareback horse riding.

Now he consistently wins money and ornate belt buckles as prizes. He didn't win a buckle Sunday, though. Those went to April Wilson of Ashland and Adam Rose of Willard.

Missouri was one of the first members of the National High School Rodeo Association when it joined the organization in 1956.

Although the state has failed to produce an exceptional rodeo team for years, individual members do well, with some joining professional tours.

Eight district competitions are conducted during the year. Last weekend's was the first at Flickerwood, owned by Mark and Donna Boardman.

The indoor arena opened in February and is one of the best in the state, according to state high school rodeo secretary Frances Krouse.

"We're usually outside, cold and wet," she said. "Here, we're in the lap of luxury, and it's not even completely finished."

The owners' two sons, Kadin, 17, and Cimarron, 14, are rodeo competitors. Kadin Boardman competes in high school rodeo. It was a natural decision, his father said, since the family owns horses and cattle.

Their arena has seen plenty of action since it opened. The National Barrel Horse Racing Association will be there this weekend.

Mark Boardman said there isn't immense interest in rodeo in this area, but he expects to see interest rise with an indoor facility and plenty of events scheduled.