International Finals Youth Rodeo Awards Champions Friday Night
The 24th annual International Finals Youth Rodeo came to a close July 15. The world’s richest youth rodeo awarded more than $200,000 in prize money, championship saddles and buckles on Friday after the finals performance.
The IFYR commenced with more than 920 contestants and 1,610 event entries. After two long-go’s and 10 performances, the top 15 contestants with the highest averages from each event competed in the finals Friday night for a shot at the championships.
The 2016 International Finals Youth Rodeo Champions are:
All Around Cowboy & Tie-Down Roping Champion Garrett Jacobs of Lemitar, New Mexico
Bareback Riding Champion Lane McGehee of Victoria, Texas
Saddle Bronc Champion Colt Gordon of Comanche, Oklahoma
Steer Wrestling Champion Zack Jongbloed of Iowa, Louisiana
Barrel Racing Champion Kaylee Scales of Blanchard, Oklahoma
Breakaway Roping Champion Kelsey Brashear of Lake Charles, Louisiana
Goat Tying Champion Kaylee Cormier of Lake Charles, Louisiana
Pole Bending Champion Brooklyn Gunter of Sulphur, Louisiana
Bull Riding Champion Judd Hebert of Egan, Louisiana
Team Roping Champions Laramie Allen of Llano, Texas & Ross Ashford of Lott, Texas
“These athletes gave it their all this week, proving they deserve these hard-earned titles,” said Chris Dunlap, Assistant Director of the Heart of Oklahoma Exposition Center and International Finals Youth Rodeo. “With contestants from 34 states, Canada and Australia, the IFYR brings together the world’s top youth rodeo competitors. We would like to congratulate our champions and thank our sponsors, contestants and volunteers who made this event possible.”
The International Finals Youth Rodeo, held annually since 1993, is a 501 (c)3 non-profit organization that presents top high school athletes with a professional rodeo. The internationally-recognized IFYR is held annually at the Heart of Oklahoma Exposition Center in Shawnee, Oklahoma. The action-packed event includes hundreds of contestants vying to win more than $200,000 in prize money, competing in 10 events running simultaneously in three arenas over six days. In 2015, more than 930 contestants and their families traveled from 32 states to participate in the IFYR. For more information, visit IFYR.com or call (405) 275-7020.
All Around Cowgirl Kelly Valdez of La Junta, Colorado
Kelly Valdez, from La Junta, Colorado, made her third trip to Shawnee. The nine-hour trip from home paid off for the 18-year-old cowgirl. She competed in four events; barrels racing, pole bending, breakaway roping and team roping. She wasn’t sure she had the All Around won until her name was called. “I heard the announcer talk about it before my pole run, but I wasn’t sure.” Her title includes the use of a Twister two-horse trailer for a year, as well as a saddle, buckle, jeans, money and an American Hat. She came back 11th in the breakaway and 7th in the poles, but the combination of all four events earned her the trailer. Kelly has been competing for eight years, competing in the Colorado State High School, where she won All Around as well. “During school, I get up at 5:45 a.m. and get a of couple horses rode. When I get home, I ride some more and when my dad gets home we rope – everyday. I ride in the snow; it makes me feel bad if I don’t ride my horses, we have so much invested in them.” Kelly has 11 horses between her and her parents. Her dad, Robert, ropes and her mom, Betty Lou, shows reined cowhorses. She is excited to have another trailer to use. “I go to a lot of barrel races around the house, so I’ll use it!” She is still researching colleges and will make that decision by Christmas. “My dad’s a banker, but I really love doing stuff with the horses,” she said of her career choice. “I don’t think I could have a job that doesn’t involve horses.”
All Around Cowboy & Tie-Down Roping Champion, Garrett Jacobs of Lemitar, New Mexico
Winning the IFYR Championship Tie Down Roping is the biggest win for Garrett Jacobs from Lemitar, New Mexico. The 18-year-old cowboy was up in two events for the short go, tie down roping and steer wrestling. “I was first up in the next event, so I had to go saddle my horse,” he said. Garrett made the 13- hour trip to Shawnee for the first time this year. “I’ve always heard it was a fun rodeo and I’m part of the Bloomer Team and that’s why I came here.” Garrett has been rodeoing since he can remember, competing in all the 8 and under events – sheep, calves, breakaway – “I even tied goats.” His mom’s family competed in rodeo, and his sister, Makayla, won the National Junior High Finals in the pole bending in 2008. This will be his third trip to the National High School Finals. Garrett will be a freshman next year at Weatherford, Texas, studying science. “I want to get my two year degree and rodeo, and hopefully come out ahead. Then I want to get into range management.” The IFYR impressed Garrett. “People treated me real well and it’s as good as Nationals – I had good stock all week.” He is going to save his money for school and will take his saddle and put it in his new house. “It’s lacking leather,” he said.
Bareback Riding Champion Lane McGehee of Victoria, Texas
Bareback Riding Champion, Lane McGehee from Victoria, Texas, won both rounds as well as the short go. The 18-year-old started riding bareback horses four years ago. The horse he drew for the short go was crazy in the box. “She rared up really bad, but I knew what I had to do – I’m a gasser and I’m not a quitter.” He is heading to Sam Houston State University on a full ride scholarship. Lane competes in steer wrestling too, but bareback is his main event. He learned to ride from his dad, Carl Lee, who rode Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association horses for 27 years. “He’s my role model, he’s my everything,” he said. “I use my dad’s boots, spurs and vest. I don’t rodeo just for me, I ride for him too – it’s great to see him pumped up. It makes me pumped up too.” Lane liked the stock at the IFYR. “This is my second year here and the stock is really good for the high school kids coming to get on.” Lane will take home more than $2,500 from his week in Shawnee and will head to Gillette, Wyoming, for the National High School Finals. He loves to ride for the crowd. “I ride for the enjoyment, and to please the crowd.”
Saddle Bronc Champion Colt Gordon of Comanche, Oklahoma
The top three rode, so Colt Gordon had to stay on to win the 2016 IFYR Saddle Bronc Riding Championship. The 19-year-old from Comanche, Oklahoma, won the first two goes in the bronc riding and received second in the short round. This is his second trip to the IFYR and he has only been riding for two years. “I just wanted to get on,” said the team roper, who entered here, but didn’t have any luck. He learned to ride broncs by trial and error. Colt has been riding horses his entire life, working on the family ranch outside of Comanche. “Riding rank colts at home got the whole thing started. I told my mom that I wanted to ride bucking horses. Finally I bugged them enough they told me to find a saddle and I could enter the high school rodeo the next weekend.” He secret to getting better is simple. “Just getting on bucking horses – the more you get on the more you figure out.” He is heading to college in the fall, but has not decided where. His real desire is to pro rodeo – he has filled his permit and is trying to make the Permit Finals in December at the South Point.
Steer Wrestling Champion Zack Jongbloed of Iowa, Louisiana
“I knew it could go either way,” said Zack Jongbloed, the 2016 Steer Wrestling Champion. “I had to stay behind the barrier, trust my hazer and my horse and let all the practice pay off.” His 14.7 on three earned him the saddle and the money at his third IFYR. Zack left Louisiana High School Rodeo with his second All Around title as well as the champion steer wrestling and tie down roping. The 17-year-old cowboy from Iowa competed in tie down roping and steer wrestling at the IFYR, but broke the barrier in the short go of the tie down roping. “If you aren’t pushing the barrier, you’re not trying,” he said. Zack is the quarter back for his team back home and that helps keep him strong and fast. “I quit playing football – I had to pick and choose and I chose rodeo – it’s what my family did and where my heart is.” He has two uncles, Joey Roberts and Jeff Corbello, who made the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in steer wrestling. “They are at the practice pen as much as I am keeping me sharp. They’ve been a tremendous help to me.” He also has help in the tie down with Jade Conner, a good family friend. Zack plans to attend college at McNeese State University, staying close to home, and then pro rodeo for a couple years and see where it goes from there. He gives the credit for his success to his family for all their support, and most of all the Man upstairs.
Barrel Racing Champion Kaylee Scales of Blanchard, Oklahoma
Kaylee Scales has been close to winning in the barrel racing all week … until the short go. “It feels so good,” said 16-year-old from Blanchard, Oklahoma. “I went in and tried to do the same thing I’ve done all week – make quick clean runs and hope for the best.” This is her biggest win. “I’ve had many close calls, and that’s what makes this one special – I finally got there.” She won the 2016 IFYR Barrel Racing Championship on Boogie, a 16-year-old gelding she has been running for three years. “He is definitely one of the biggest blessings in my life; he’s taught me how to win, and he’s won for me.” The first time she got on Boogie they had a no time, but she still wanted the horse. “I begged for him.” She’s been running barrels since she was 7, and competes in breakaway roping and ribbon roping. She entered breakaway roping at the IFYR, but the barrier got her. The sophomore competes in IPRA and Little Britches, and is winning checks in the IPRA. “I’m loving it,” she said. Kaylee is planning to go to college and rodeo. She wants to continue on to the professional level. She thanks everyone who has supported and rooted for her, especially her mom and dad for hauling her everywhere. She has won one other saddle on Boogie, and is hoping to use this one she won at the IFYR. She’ll take the money ($3,350) and put it back in the pot for entry fees.
Breakaway Roping Champion Kelsey Brashear of Lake Charles, Louisiana
The 2016 Breakaway Champion was speechless after her win. Kelsey Brashear from Lake Charles, Louisiana, made her third trip to the IFYR and this is her first win. “I’ve won state twice,” said the 19-year-old who will start this fall at McNeese State University and study marketing business. She came into the short round in the third position; 9th in the first round and 5th in the second. “I’ve never had nerves like that,” she said of the short round. “I kept telling myself to go in there and keep it simple.” She rode a horse that she’s had since sixth grade. “When I first bought him, he didn’t know breakaway and he took to it.” She learned how to rope from a neighbor when she was in fourth grade. Kelsey competes in team roping and goat tying, but will only breakaway in college. “It’s more natural to me and I enjoy it more.” My little sister competed here too, but didn’t have a good week. She plans to put her champion saddle in the house. “I’m not going to ride this one.” She is going to save the money she won for school.
Goat Tying Champion Kaylee Cormier of Lake Charles, Louisiana
A third generation goat tier from Lake Charles, Louisiana, Kaylee Cormier, won the goat tying with a 7.6. She was 3rd in the first round and 2nd in the second round. She’s been tying goats since she was 8, using a horse that she and her grandmother, Charlene Carson, trained. “I’m the only one that has ridden him,” she said. “Benny is 10 and we got him six years ago.” Kaylee is headed to Wyoming next, representing Louisiana at the National High School Finals as the State Champion Goat Tier. The junior in high school has been to the IFYR twice, ending last year in the fifth position. She came into the short go in the number one position. “I like pressure – it pushes me in the right direction.” She is breathless from her win. “It doesn’t feel real right now and I’m out of breath – can’t tell if it was because of the run or because I’m so excited.” She says the secret to a good goat run “is getting out of your own mind, and taking control of all the variables – there are a lot of things that affect goat tying.” Kaylee competes in breakaway roping, barrel racing, pole bending and team roping. She also entered breakaway roping at the IFYR but didn’t have any luck. Kaylee plans to go to McNeese State University and become a criminal psychologist and rodeo.
Pole Bending Champion Brooklyn Gunter of Sulphur, Louisiana
Brooklyn Gunter won every round and the short go in the IFYR pole bending. The 15-year-old from Sulphur, Louisiana, is riding the famous Blaze, a grade mare that was bought at the sale barn for $400. She has owned Blaze for a year, purchasing her from Skylar Ragan, who trained the horse. “The first time I got on him, I was really scared,” she said. “We had a 19.6 – it worked out good.” Blaze knows her job and gets nervous before the run. “It takes a while to get her in the arena, but once she sees the poles she’s fine. I don’t breathe through the entire thing it happens so fast. Brooklyn is one of seven children – every one of them competes in rodeo. Her mom, Jessica (Martin) Gunter, was one of 10 siblings who competed at the IFYR, and were all part of this great rodeo from the beginning. The second to the oldest, along with 42 other cousins, meet three times a week at the family arena and practice. “We do basketball as well as rodeo. There’s always something going on. I love having all my cousins and brothers and sisters around – they support me.” She is hoping to go into the medical field when she grows up, thinking about neurosurgery. She competes in breakaway roping, barrel racing, and pole bending. “We’ve been having basketball camps, so I have been concentrating on the poles. We will go to Gillette, Wyoming, next in the pole bending.”
Bull Riding Champion Judd Hebert of Egan, Louisiana
The bulls bucked at the IFYR and Judd Hebert and two others were the only ones that made the 8- second whistle on two of the three. “He felt good,” said Judd about the bull that took him to the championship. “He fit me – he bucked and spun and was pretty sweet.” Judd was sitting second after the first round, and got bucked off the second round. He is going to put his saddle up for show. Judd has been riding since he was 4, starting with sheep, junior bulls, and now bulls. He team ropes too, but just rode bulls at the IFYR. He attributes his success to practicing at the house. “We have bulls at the arena and my dad and brother help me.” His plans are to make it to the National Finals Rodeo. The 17-year-old is going to be a senior at Iota High School, but admits to not being a big fan of school. “I don’t like thinking that hard,” he said.
Team Roping Champions Laramie Allen of Llano, Texas & Ross Ashford of Lott, Texas
Texas team ropers took the lead at the IFYR. Header, Laramie Allen from Llano, Texas, and heeler, Ross Ashford, from Lott, Texas, came back high call and won it all. They have been roping together for several years. Laramie was born in Kansas but his family moved to Texas to rope when he was six. The 16-year-old sophomore has been roping his entire life and ropes every weekend with his partner, Ross. “We made around $5,000 a man over the fourth at amateur rodeos around Texas.” At the IFYR, the team won second in the first round, fifth in the second and ended up winning it with 16.5 on three. Laramie has one goal in mind. "I want to be a world champion,” he said. “I’m going to do it as soon as I can.” He is home schooled so he can rope more. “It still gets in the way.” He rides a horse he got off a ranch in Montana. “Buck bucks every time I get on him,” he said. When he’s not roping, he likes to hunt hogs. Ross has been roping as long as he can remember, entering his first one when he was 8. He rides a gelding he bought six years ago. Ross is also home schooled and will be a senior this year. He plans to go to college. He enjoys roping with Laramie. “He’s a good header and gives me a chance to win,” he said. “We drew some really good steers here, and we knew them so we knew what to do with them.”
The IFYR commenced with more than 920 contestants and 1,610 event entries. After two long-go’s and 10 performances, the top 15 contestants with the highest averages from each event competed in the finals Friday night for a shot at the championships.
The 2016 International Finals Youth Rodeo Champions are:
All Around Cowboy & Tie-Down Roping Champion Garrett Jacobs of Lemitar, New Mexico
Bareback Riding Champion Lane McGehee of Victoria, Texas
Saddle Bronc Champion Colt Gordon of Comanche, Oklahoma
Steer Wrestling Champion Zack Jongbloed of Iowa, Louisiana
Barrel Racing Champion Kaylee Scales of Blanchard, Oklahoma
Breakaway Roping Champion Kelsey Brashear of Lake Charles, Louisiana
Goat Tying Champion Kaylee Cormier of Lake Charles, Louisiana
Pole Bending Champion Brooklyn Gunter of Sulphur, Louisiana
Bull Riding Champion Judd Hebert of Egan, Louisiana
Team Roping Champions Laramie Allen of Llano, Texas & Ross Ashford of Lott, Texas
“These athletes gave it their all this week, proving they deserve these hard-earned titles,” said Chris Dunlap, Assistant Director of the Heart of Oklahoma Exposition Center and International Finals Youth Rodeo. “With contestants from 34 states, Canada and Australia, the IFYR brings together the world’s top youth rodeo competitors. We would like to congratulate our champions and thank our sponsors, contestants and volunteers who made this event possible.”
The International Finals Youth Rodeo, held annually since 1993, is a 501 (c)3 non-profit organization that presents top high school athletes with a professional rodeo. The internationally-recognized IFYR is held annually at the Heart of Oklahoma Exposition Center in Shawnee, Oklahoma. The action-packed event includes hundreds of contestants vying to win more than $200,000 in prize money, competing in 10 events running simultaneously in three arenas over six days. In 2015, more than 930 contestants and their families traveled from 32 states to participate in the IFYR. For more information, visit IFYR.com or call (405) 275-7020.
All Around Cowgirl Kelly Valdez of La Junta, Colorado
Kelly Valdez, from La Junta, Colorado, made her third trip to Shawnee. The nine-hour trip from home paid off for the 18-year-old cowgirl. She competed in four events; barrels racing, pole bending, breakaway roping and team roping. She wasn’t sure she had the All Around won until her name was called. “I heard the announcer talk about it before my pole run, but I wasn’t sure.” Her title includes the use of a Twister two-horse trailer for a year, as well as a saddle, buckle, jeans, money and an American Hat. She came back 11th in the breakaway and 7th in the poles, but the combination of all four events earned her the trailer. Kelly has been competing for eight years, competing in the Colorado State High School, where she won All Around as well. “During school, I get up at 5:45 a.m. and get a of couple horses rode. When I get home, I ride some more and when my dad gets home we rope – everyday. I ride in the snow; it makes me feel bad if I don’t ride my horses, we have so much invested in them.” Kelly has 11 horses between her and her parents. Her dad, Robert, ropes and her mom, Betty Lou, shows reined cowhorses. She is excited to have another trailer to use. “I go to a lot of barrel races around the house, so I’ll use it!” She is still researching colleges and will make that decision by Christmas. “My dad’s a banker, but I really love doing stuff with the horses,” she said of her career choice. “I don’t think I could have a job that doesn’t involve horses.”
All Around Cowboy & Tie-Down Roping Champion, Garrett Jacobs of Lemitar, New Mexico
Winning the IFYR Championship Tie Down Roping is the biggest win for Garrett Jacobs from Lemitar, New Mexico. The 18-year-old cowboy was up in two events for the short go, tie down roping and steer wrestling. “I was first up in the next event, so I had to go saddle my horse,” he said. Garrett made the 13- hour trip to Shawnee for the first time this year. “I’ve always heard it was a fun rodeo and I’m part of the Bloomer Team and that’s why I came here.” Garrett has been rodeoing since he can remember, competing in all the 8 and under events – sheep, calves, breakaway – “I even tied goats.” His mom’s family competed in rodeo, and his sister, Makayla, won the National Junior High Finals in the pole bending in 2008. This will be his third trip to the National High School Finals. Garrett will be a freshman next year at Weatherford, Texas, studying science. “I want to get my two year degree and rodeo, and hopefully come out ahead. Then I want to get into range management.” The IFYR impressed Garrett. “People treated me real well and it’s as good as Nationals – I had good stock all week.” He is going to save his money for school and will take his saddle and put it in his new house. “It’s lacking leather,” he said.
Bareback Riding Champion Lane McGehee of Victoria, Texas
Bareback Riding Champion, Lane McGehee from Victoria, Texas, won both rounds as well as the short go. The 18-year-old started riding bareback horses four years ago. The horse he drew for the short go was crazy in the box. “She rared up really bad, but I knew what I had to do – I’m a gasser and I’m not a quitter.” He is heading to Sam Houston State University on a full ride scholarship. Lane competes in steer wrestling too, but bareback is his main event. He learned to ride from his dad, Carl Lee, who rode Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association horses for 27 years. “He’s my role model, he’s my everything,” he said. “I use my dad’s boots, spurs and vest. I don’t rodeo just for me, I ride for him too – it’s great to see him pumped up. It makes me pumped up too.” Lane liked the stock at the IFYR. “This is my second year here and the stock is really good for the high school kids coming to get on.” Lane will take home more than $2,500 from his week in Shawnee and will head to Gillette, Wyoming, for the National High School Finals. He loves to ride for the crowd. “I ride for the enjoyment, and to please the crowd.”
Saddle Bronc Champion Colt Gordon of Comanche, Oklahoma
The top three rode, so Colt Gordon had to stay on to win the 2016 IFYR Saddle Bronc Riding Championship. The 19-year-old from Comanche, Oklahoma, won the first two goes in the bronc riding and received second in the short round. This is his second trip to the IFYR and he has only been riding for two years. “I just wanted to get on,” said the team roper, who entered here, but didn’t have any luck. He learned to ride broncs by trial and error. Colt has been riding horses his entire life, working on the family ranch outside of Comanche. “Riding rank colts at home got the whole thing started. I told my mom that I wanted to ride bucking horses. Finally I bugged them enough they told me to find a saddle and I could enter the high school rodeo the next weekend.” He secret to getting better is simple. “Just getting on bucking horses – the more you get on the more you figure out.” He is heading to college in the fall, but has not decided where. His real desire is to pro rodeo – he has filled his permit and is trying to make the Permit Finals in December at the South Point.
Steer Wrestling Champion Zack Jongbloed of Iowa, Louisiana
“I knew it could go either way,” said Zack Jongbloed, the 2016 Steer Wrestling Champion. “I had to stay behind the barrier, trust my hazer and my horse and let all the practice pay off.” His 14.7 on three earned him the saddle and the money at his third IFYR. Zack left Louisiana High School Rodeo with his second All Around title as well as the champion steer wrestling and tie down roping. The 17-year-old cowboy from Iowa competed in tie down roping and steer wrestling at the IFYR, but broke the barrier in the short go of the tie down roping. “If you aren’t pushing the barrier, you’re not trying,” he said. Zack is the quarter back for his team back home and that helps keep him strong and fast. “I quit playing football – I had to pick and choose and I chose rodeo – it’s what my family did and where my heart is.” He has two uncles, Joey Roberts and Jeff Corbello, who made the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in steer wrestling. “They are at the practice pen as much as I am keeping me sharp. They’ve been a tremendous help to me.” He also has help in the tie down with Jade Conner, a good family friend. Zack plans to attend college at McNeese State University, staying close to home, and then pro rodeo for a couple years and see where it goes from there. He gives the credit for his success to his family for all their support, and most of all the Man upstairs.
Barrel Racing Champion Kaylee Scales of Blanchard, Oklahoma
Kaylee Scales has been close to winning in the barrel racing all week … until the short go. “It feels so good,” said 16-year-old from Blanchard, Oklahoma. “I went in and tried to do the same thing I’ve done all week – make quick clean runs and hope for the best.” This is her biggest win. “I’ve had many close calls, and that’s what makes this one special – I finally got there.” She won the 2016 IFYR Barrel Racing Championship on Boogie, a 16-year-old gelding she has been running for three years. “He is definitely one of the biggest blessings in my life; he’s taught me how to win, and he’s won for me.” The first time she got on Boogie they had a no time, but she still wanted the horse. “I begged for him.” She’s been running barrels since she was 7, and competes in breakaway roping and ribbon roping. She entered breakaway roping at the IFYR, but the barrier got her. The sophomore competes in IPRA and Little Britches, and is winning checks in the IPRA. “I’m loving it,” she said. Kaylee is planning to go to college and rodeo. She wants to continue on to the professional level. She thanks everyone who has supported and rooted for her, especially her mom and dad for hauling her everywhere. She has won one other saddle on Boogie, and is hoping to use this one she won at the IFYR. She’ll take the money ($3,350) and put it back in the pot for entry fees.
Breakaway Roping Champion Kelsey Brashear of Lake Charles, Louisiana
The 2016 Breakaway Champion was speechless after her win. Kelsey Brashear from Lake Charles, Louisiana, made her third trip to the IFYR and this is her first win. “I’ve won state twice,” said the 19-year-old who will start this fall at McNeese State University and study marketing business. She came into the short round in the third position; 9th in the first round and 5th in the second. “I’ve never had nerves like that,” she said of the short round. “I kept telling myself to go in there and keep it simple.” She rode a horse that she’s had since sixth grade. “When I first bought him, he didn’t know breakaway and he took to it.” She learned how to rope from a neighbor when she was in fourth grade. Kelsey competes in team roping and goat tying, but will only breakaway in college. “It’s more natural to me and I enjoy it more.” My little sister competed here too, but didn’t have a good week. She plans to put her champion saddle in the house. “I’m not going to ride this one.” She is going to save the money she won for school.
Goat Tying Champion Kaylee Cormier of Lake Charles, Louisiana
A third generation goat tier from Lake Charles, Louisiana, Kaylee Cormier, won the goat tying with a 7.6. She was 3rd in the first round and 2nd in the second round. She’s been tying goats since she was 8, using a horse that she and her grandmother, Charlene Carson, trained. “I’m the only one that has ridden him,” she said. “Benny is 10 and we got him six years ago.” Kaylee is headed to Wyoming next, representing Louisiana at the National High School Finals as the State Champion Goat Tier. The junior in high school has been to the IFYR twice, ending last year in the fifth position. She came into the short go in the number one position. “I like pressure – it pushes me in the right direction.” She is breathless from her win. “It doesn’t feel real right now and I’m out of breath – can’t tell if it was because of the run or because I’m so excited.” She says the secret to a good goat run “is getting out of your own mind, and taking control of all the variables – there are a lot of things that affect goat tying.” Kaylee competes in breakaway roping, barrel racing, pole bending and team roping. She also entered breakaway roping at the IFYR but didn’t have any luck. Kaylee plans to go to McNeese State University and become a criminal psychologist and rodeo.
Pole Bending Champion Brooklyn Gunter of Sulphur, Louisiana
Brooklyn Gunter won every round and the short go in the IFYR pole bending. The 15-year-old from Sulphur, Louisiana, is riding the famous Blaze, a grade mare that was bought at the sale barn for $400. She has owned Blaze for a year, purchasing her from Skylar Ragan, who trained the horse. “The first time I got on him, I was really scared,” she said. “We had a 19.6 – it worked out good.” Blaze knows her job and gets nervous before the run. “It takes a while to get her in the arena, but once she sees the poles she’s fine. I don’t breathe through the entire thing it happens so fast. Brooklyn is one of seven children – every one of them competes in rodeo. Her mom, Jessica (Martin) Gunter, was one of 10 siblings who competed at the IFYR, and were all part of this great rodeo from the beginning. The second to the oldest, along with 42 other cousins, meet three times a week at the family arena and practice. “We do basketball as well as rodeo. There’s always something going on. I love having all my cousins and brothers and sisters around – they support me.” She is hoping to go into the medical field when she grows up, thinking about neurosurgery. She competes in breakaway roping, barrel racing, and pole bending. “We’ve been having basketball camps, so I have been concentrating on the poles. We will go to Gillette, Wyoming, next in the pole bending.”
Bull Riding Champion Judd Hebert of Egan, Louisiana
The bulls bucked at the IFYR and Judd Hebert and two others were the only ones that made the 8- second whistle on two of the three. “He felt good,” said Judd about the bull that took him to the championship. “He fit me – he bucked and spun and was pretty sweet.” Judd was sitting second after the first round, and got bucked off the second round. He is going to put his saddle up for show. Judd has been riding since he was 4, starting with sheep, junior bulls, and now bulls. He team ropes too, but just rode bulls at the IFYR. He attributes his success to practicing at the house. “We have bulls at the arena and my dad and brother help me.” His plans are to make it to the National Finals Rodeo. The 17-year-old is going to be a senior at Iota High School, but admits to not being a big fan of school. “I don’t like thinking that hard,” he said.
Team Roping Champions Laramie Allen of Llano, Texas & Ross Ashford of Lott, Texas
Texas team ropers took the lead at the IFYR. Header, Laramie Allen from Llano, Texas, and heeler, Ross Ashford, from Lott, Texas, came back high call and won it all. They have been roping together for several years. Laramie was born in Kansas but his family moved to Texas to rope when he was six. The 16-year-old sophomore has been roping his entire life and ropes every weekend with his partner, Ross. “We made around $5,000 a man over the fourth at amateur rodeos around Texas.” At the IFYR, the team won second in the first round, fifth in the second and ended up winning it with 16.5 on three. Laramie has one goal in mind. "I want to be a world champion,” he said. “I’m going to do it as soon as I can.” He is home schooled so he can rope more. “It still gets in the way.” He rides a horse he got off a ranch in Montana. “Buck bucks every time I get on him,” he said. When he’s not roping, he likes to hunt hogs. Ross has been roping as long as he can remember, entering his first one when he was 8. He rides a gelding he bought six years ago. Ross is also home schooled and will be a senior this year. He plans to go to college. He enjoys roping with Laramie. “He’s a good header and gives me a chance to win,” he said. “We drew some really good steers here, and we knew them so we knew what to do with them.”
