Byron Christiansen
By Julie Johansen
Yep, it is rodeo season again. At the Southern Utah Rodeos in Hurricane on Feb. 24 and 25, Graycee Mills and Byron Christiansen won the all-around titles in their age group competitions.
Fifth-grader Mills, daughter of Jimmy and Emily Mills of Castle Dale, competed in the Utah Five and Under rodeo, winning first in girls’ goats, second in pole bending and fourth in barrel racing on Friday. Then, on Saturday, she added points by roping first in breakaway, second in both girls’ goats and poles and third in the barrels. This gave her the lead in all-around points for the weekend and also placed her third in the state all-around standings.
Seventh-grader Byron Christiansen, son of Kirk and Mistie Christiansen of Emery, won first in saddle bronc riding on Friday in the junior high rodeo. On Saturday, he gathered a second in both boys’ goats and bareback as well as fourth in boys’ breakaway and ribbon roping. This earned him enough points to garner the all-around trophy for the weekend and second in the all-around standings in the state.
Other participants at the five and under rodeo were Stace and Trent Gilbert, Kamz Rich, Hesston McArthur, Orrin McElprang and Monty Christiansen. Junior high participants also included Kayson Jensen.
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- Graycee Mills
