Colt Kelly To Competre in Wyoming

Colt Kelly, a senior at Jasper County High School, has earned a position on the Georgia state/provincial National High School rodeo team and will be traveling with fellow teammates to Rock Springs, Wy. July 12-18 to compete at the 67th annual National High School Finals Rodeo in the team roping competition.

The National High School Rodeo Association is one of the fastest growing youth organizations, with an annual membership of approximately 12,500 students from 41 states, five Canadian provinces, and Australia. The Association sanctions over 1,100 rodeos each year. The NHSRA is governed by a national Board of Directors, which consists of one member from each state or province. A staff at the national headquarters in Denver, Colo. handles the day-to-day operations.

Each year, the NHSRA produces the two elite youth rodeo events in the world—the National Junior High Finals Rodeo (NJHFR) and the National High School Finals Rodeo (NHSFR). The NHSFR is the “World’s Largest Rodeo,” featuring approximately 1,500 contestants from across the United States, Canada and Australia.

Athletes vie for national titles, assorted prizes and their share of thousands of dollars in college scholarships. Action at the event is non-stop, with rodeo performances being conducted twice each day. The top-20 contestants in each event then advance to a final round of competition to determine who will walk away with the coveted championship buckles.

Boys events at the NHSFR include Bareback Riding, Bull Riding, Saddle Bronc Riding, Tie-Down Roping, Steer Wrestling, Team Roping, and Cutting. Girl’s events include Breakaway Roping, Barrel Racing, Pole Bending, Goat Tying, Cutting, Team Roping, and the NHSRA Queen contest.

Boys and girls compete together in Team Roping, but are separate in all other events.

Colt is the son of Lisa and Paul Kelly of Monticello.