The North Dakota High School Rodeo (NDHSR) had its season opener in New Salem this past weekend, August 20 and 21.

A total of 880 competitive runs from cow cutting, rough stock rides to roping went through the arena that sits under Miss Salem Sue. From seniors in high school to the freshman — emotions, fast runs, buck offs, and memories were made.

The Mandan Horse & Saddle Club hosted its 15th Annual High School rodeo at the Morton County Fairgrounds temporarily while the Mandan arena is being upgraded.

Holden Meyer, a freshman for the Berthold Bombers, roped and tied his first calf at his first North Dakota high school rodeo Saturday. Playing for the Bombers as a wide receiver the night before and winning against Mohall, the Bomber lit up the field Friday night and then spent the rest of his weekend at the arena in New Salem.

“The first high school rodeo experience was a good experience. I used our mare, Joey, that is evolving from a team roping horse and barrel racing horse to finishing her in the tie down roping. That is a rewarding part of the rodeo game,” stated Holden.

Joey is a 9-year-old granddaughter of Shining Sparks and was purchased off BisManOnline by Holden’s mother, Nici Meyer. The whole family has competed on her.

The young cowboy also commented on his new Bomber football coach, Paul Rudolph. “Our coach really is good about teaching and positivity and has a great work ethic environment going with our team. All that crosses over into the arena and rodeo,” added Holden.

NDHSR Secretary Michelle Rotenberger explained, “Numbers are up this year in the cow cutting, rifle/trap shooting, barrel racing, and pole bending. It’s outstanding. There are many incoming freshmen, and they are ready to rodeo. The first rodeo is always good, all these rodeos are a great learning and competitive experience for the athletes.”

Sophomore Sheridan Bubel, of Center, roped her calf in 2.6 seconds but caught a 10 second barrier.

“It doesn’t matter how the runs go, because it is the whole season we need to keep in mind. I kept my arm up and roped my calf. My horse was hurt, and I borrowed Rosie from the Gerhardt family, and she gave me a great shot,” said Sheridan.

Kia Rohde, a freshman at Killdeer High School, had her 5th barrel racing run on her six-year-old mare.

“This was my first high school rodeo, and my horse’s first rodeo. Mostly I spend time ranching and swinging my rope and now starting a barrel racing horse. I’m doing all the training and getting to meet some friends along the way,” added the cowgirl.

“I really love high school rodeo, because it’s a different environment away from school and volleyball. It makes me happy, the people, the horses, competing, and all the memories puts a smile on my face,” said Joselyn Froelich, of Selfridge and senior girls cutting and breakaway roping contestant.

Newcomer to the whole game of rodeo and roping, ‘rodeo dad and supporter,’ Matt Pacholka, of Belfield by way of Michigan, said that this is really a good thing for the kids.

“Coming from the inner cities where I grew up, we never had an opportunity like this. It occupies youth and gives them goals. This is my oldest son’s first rodeo, and I’m learning how to raise him every day, but when he came home last night after his first rodeo, he went straight outside and roped the dummy. He didn’t want to do anything else.”

Senior Megan Larson, of Hoople, won 5th in the barrels on Saturday and 2nd in the pole bending.

Megan Larson on Tex [Photo: Craig Maley]

“I was happy with my horse. He is staying solid and consistent. Going to a few jackpots through the summer and keeping him in shape and ready for these rodeos that count towards our goals was our game plan, Megan said.

Megan plays basketball for Park River in the winters and explained that her coach, Jonathan Berg, appreciates how calm and composed she can stay through a basketball game.

“Rodeoing has taught me how to manage my nerves. Working at this mental part since I was a freshman, I had a horse that was nervous and had gate issues, so we really had to work together to get through that. Now, as a senior, I know what’s going on and how to maintain composure on the court and in the arena and having confidence, making solid runs, and chipping away at points is how we get the job done” explained Megan.

Megan says she plans on attending college at NDSU to be in the pharmacy or equine science programs and continuing to rodeo while in college.

Close to 200 contestants headed home to the practice pen this week and look forward to the next high school rodeo, which is scheduled for September 10 in Watford City and September 11 in Velva.

For a complete list of results or more info, visit: www.ndhsa.org