Rodeo starlets take on Nationals

As Teagan Gustafson, Dani, and Braelee Aus galloped their way to Gillette, Wyoming for the National High School Finals Rodeo competition, their amazement to be among the best in this competitive, wild-driven sport was truly an honor but most importantly pure fun.
   

From July 18-26, the Gustafson and Aus families called Gillette their temporary home, as the girls prepared to make their national debut in the sport they have passionately participated since their early years.
   

Upon arrival, the girls joined an elite group of 1,500 contestants from around the U.S., Canada, and Australia for a chance to place in “the world’s largest rodeo.” However, before they could compete, they had to prepare their horses for the upcoming competitions that would run through the next few days.
   

“It was important to make sure that we arrived a few days early to make sure their horses (each girl has five) had time to rest from the travel and also acclimate itself to the climate and its environment,” said Karen Gustafson.
   

It is important that the horses be treated like athletes. They have to make sure that “they are healthy and in prime condition” prior to competition.
   

With the help of their horses, the girls competed in their perspective categories: goat tying (Teagan and Dani) and break away roping (Dani and Braelee).     They each competed twice during the week in their events where they encountered stiff competition. Although, the girls were unable to place at the National level, they all thought that it was a great for them to compete in front of thousands of cheering fans.
   

“It is a lot different competing at the national level. There are two arenas going at all times so that means a lot of activity right outside the arena. It is a challenge to stay focused. I am glad I had a chance to compete in that environment,” recalled Braelee.
   

Besides participating in their qualifying rodeo events, the National High School Rodeo Association provides other activities that the contestants can enjoy. These include: dances, volleyball tournaments, and a “mega water fight.” However their main focus is to provide education opportunities, making the main awards for winning or placing in rodeo event(s) scholarship money that can be used for post-secondary education.
   

Next up for these rodeo gals is the start of their upcoming 2010-2011 season which is set to kickoff this weekend Aug. 13-15 in Granite Falls.
   

“Now we know what it is like at the National Finals. We are ready to start up the 2010-11 season to put us on a path to qualify again. A spot on the national team is not something you want to give up once you have been there,” commented Teagan.
   

This weekend’s rodeo will be held at Lee-Mar Ranch and will feature “all the contestants from around the state of Minnesota.”    The three girls as well as local contestants Aaron Lalim, Gannon Gustafson, and Brevin Gustafson will compete during the weekend.
   

There will be over 100 contestants grades 6-12 contending in both the Junior High and High School divisions. Many area students from RCW, Lac qui Parle, Marshall, MACCRAY, Willmar, Minnewaska, and Wabasso are set to compete.
   

With the start of a clean slate about to begin this weekend for these girls, the winless, but memorable and exciting debut they had at Nationals will surely become their source of inspiration to do well. Who knows, maybe along the way they will “rope” in some wins too.