By Julie Johansen
Five middle school rodeo athletes competed at the Jr. High State Rodeo Finals held this past week in Heber City. Those qualifiers from the South East Jr. High Club (Carbon and Emery) were Tadd Nielson in tie down, ribbon roping, and team roping, Johnny Fox in tie down, ribbon roping and team roping, Drayke Tonc in light rifle, Kinlee Taylor in barrels and Clayton Rich in light rifle.
Following two competitions and a short go, three of these participants qualified for Nationals, which will be held in Des Moines, Iowa, June 23 through the 29th. Tadd Nielson ended up third in tie down roping and fourth in team roping with partner Straton McNiel from the Uintah Basin team. Johnny Fox was third in ribbon roping with partner Paizlee Worthen from the Central Utah team. Drayke Tonc placed fourth in light rifle shoot. These three will be headed to Iowa in the middle of June.
