Athletes rope points at Flickerwood Arena

Fruitland, Mo., was the hot spot for cowboys and cowgirls Sunday afternoon.

The Missouri High School Rodeo Association's spring season kicked off this weekend at Flickerwood Arena. The two-day rodeo drew hundreds of spectators to watch high school students from all over Missouri and even a few from Illinois.

The event served as the first of about 10 MHSRA spring rodeos across the state. The current series ends in early June. The organization also holds a similar fall season, and the point totals from the two segments along with the state finals determine overall winners. The top four in each event compete in the national rodeo.

On Sunday, Flickerwood was home to about 215 rodeo athletes, both boys and girls. Six female events and six male events were offered.

Bob Russell, rodeo director, said high school rodeos are more than just competition.

"It's a great place for kids to come and have fun while doing what they enjoy doing," he said.

Cassie Atchison of Jackson, who competed in all six events, said that although she didn't rank with the best on Sunday, it was a good opportunity to meet up with her rodeo friends after the winter break.

"It's really fun being with all your friends, and it's great to be back," she said, "but it's not completely just a social event. It takes a lot of time and work to get prepared for these."

The majority of the winners over the weekend were from northern Missouri and the St. Louis area, but a few locals managed to crack the top of the lists. Ty Atchison of Jackson finished first in steer wrestling and saddle bronc riding, and Rayne Cagle of Jackson and Brent Menz of Delta placed second in team roping on Sunday. Menz won the bull riding event, while Josh Miliam of Benton finished third. Kenny Cook from Puxico, Mo., placed fourth in bareback riding,

In Saturday's action, Menz was second in steer wrestling and second in saddle bronc riding. Ty Atchison was victorious in saddle bronc riding and teamed up with Jackson partner Jeremy Hemmann to claim first in team roping. Cook and Casey Hicks were second in team roping.