Towner Rodeo Arena was busy August 4 with the dust finally settling well into the dark.

Youth contestants came from all over North Dakota, including some from Colorado and even Arizona to compete at the Vegas Tuffest Qualifier held in conjunction with the Northern Plains Little Britches Rodeo. Several North Dakota youths will be heading to the Silver State come December.

“This is the most kids we‘ve had enter the Vegas Tuffest Qualifier. We are lucky enough to be able to host one here in North Dakota. It’s a great opportunity for the kids, and it’s something I think will continue to grow. The money these kids have a chance to win in Vegas in unreal,” said Jamie Mortenson, producer.

Shayda Morgan, first place qualifier in the twelve and under barrel racing division said, “I’ve never been to Vegas! I’m excited to go run barrels there.” Shayda is eight years old and is heading into third grade at Silver Ranch School in Bismarck. She is the daughter Don and Shanda Morgan.

“My brother, Kyler, rode with me around the arena and up the gate, kind of having his horse be a buddy for Hot Wing,” explained the young cowgirl.

Hot Wing is a seventeen-year-old gelding that came from Wyoming and was hand picked by Morgan’s grandmother, Linda Hunter. “Hot Wing and I are a perfect match; he is super sweet. When I ran yesterday, I just focused on the barrels and where each spot was and looked to where I was going,” Shayda stated.

The Vegas Tuffest Qualifer is an organization lead by Mike and SherryLynn Johnson of Oklahoma. The veteran rodeo couple said they were inspired by their years of teaching clinics with youth. They brought together different rodeo associations and places all over the country to host qualifiers and side-pots at various youth rodeos – the result became a chance to compete at a large venue and big money for youth rodeo competitors in the barrel racing, tie-down roping, breakaway roping, and goat tying.

Sidney Weinberger on her horse, Birdie [Photo: Branded J Images]

Vegas Tuffest qualifiers include:

19 & under barrels: Sofie Huff, Sydney Weinberger

12 & under barrels: Shayda Morgan

19 & under tie down roping: Everett Reeves, Kyler Morgan

15 & under tie down roping: Wesley Lammers

15 & under goat tying: Sophie Wilson, Reina Kraska

12 & under goat tying: Lane Lenzen, Ryder Phelan

19 & under breakaway: Tess Mortenson, Sofie Huff

15 & under breakaway: Sydney Weinberger, Sophie Huff

12 & under breakaway: Wesley Lammers, Lane Lenzen

Mortenson also said that there is always a list of people that help make these events happen, “Mike & SherryLynn Johnson for allowing these kids the opportunity to have a chance to qualify for an event to compete in Las Vegas; our stock contractor, Jim Hystad, of Velva, with J-H Cattle; the personnel; volunteers; and parents who helped pitch in are all people that help make it happen and deserve a thank-you. Also, special thanks to Towner Rodeo Association for the use of their facility.”

The Vegas Tuffest Junior World Championship is scheduled for November 30 through December 5, 2022 at the Expo at World Market Center in Las Vegas, NV. For more information, visit: www.johnsonsportline.com.