Three local rodeo athletes have won top awards, thus qualifying to compete in the 65th annual National High School Finals Rodeo (NHSFR) in Rock Springs, Wyoming, July 14-20.
The High School Rodeo State Finals were held in Lebanon earlier this month, ending a year of qualifying rodeo competitions across the state.  Brandon Barnes, a junior at DCHS, won the bull-riding championship, receiving a Gist trophy buckle and a Tod Slone Championship saddle.  Waylon West, also a junior at DCHS, placed fourth in the bull-riding competition, earning a Gist trophy buckle and securing a spot on the national team. Breakaway roper Shara Adcock, a sophomore, earned third-place honors in her event, receiving a Gist trophy buckle and will represent Tennessee in her event at the NHSFR. She was also elected to serve as student President of Tennessee High School Rodeo Association for the upcoming season and received a presidential scholarship from the National High School Rodeo Foundation.
Featuring more than 1,500 contestants from 41 states, five Canadian provinces and Australia, the NHSFR is the world's largest rodeo. In addition to competing for more than $200,000 in prizes, these contestants will also be competing for more than $350,000 in college scholarships and the chance to be named a NHSFR National Champion. To earn this title, contestants must finish in the top 20 - based on their combined times/scores in the first two rounds - to advance to Saturday evening's final round. National champions will then be determined based on their three-round combined times/scores.
Along with great rodeo competition and the chance to meet new friends from around the world, NHSFR contestants have the opportunity to enjoy shooting sports, volleyball, contestant dances, family-oriented activities, and church services sponsored by the Fellowship of Christian Cowboys.
The Saturday championship performance will be televised nationally on RFD-TV. Live broadcasts of each NHSFR performance will also air online at NHSRATV.com, powered by iHigh.com. Performance times are 7 p.m. on July 14, and at 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. each day thereafter. For ticket information, call (307) 352-6789.