By Julie Johansen & R. Chantz Richens
Three area youth qualified to attend the National Junior Rodeo Finals in Lebanon, Tenn. in June.
Korby and Byron Christiansen as well as Hagen Campbell all qualified for the event by placing in the top four at the state finals the end of May.
Korby and Byron reside in Emery and rodeo with the Uintah Basin Junior High team. Campbell, who lives in Wellington, is affiliated with the Utah Junior Rodeo team.
Campbell was number one in the rifle shoot competition in May while Korby Christiansen qualified in both goat tying and team roping with partner Sammy Taylor from the Uintah Basin Club.
While at the event, Byron Christiansen competed in the steer bareback riding. Korby Christiansen made it back to the final round in goat tying and ended in 15th. Campbell, who competed in the light rifle competition, shot his way to a fourth-place finish at the national level.
While in Tennessee, the athletes were able to visit renowned locations in Nashville such as the Country Music Hall of Fame and many others. All the boys felt like this was a chance of lifetime to compete on a national level.