Mattie and Wyatt Wells and Peyton Folz traveled to Rawlings Arena in Hopedale, Ill. to participate in the Illinois Junior Rodeo (IJRA) Finals on August 6 and 7. Approximately 85 cowboys and cowgirls in grades kindergarten through eighth grade from all over the state competed at the Finals. Mattie and Wyatt have been members of the IJRA for three years and this was Peyton’s first year.
During the 2016 Finals, Mattie competed in goat tying, barrel racing, pole bending, and breakaway calf roping in the 6th – 8th grade girls division. In the K – 2nd grade boys division, Wyatt competed in goat flanking, barrel racing, pole bending, team roping, and mini-bull riding. Peyton competed in the 3rd – 5th grade girls division in goat tying, barrel racing, pole bending, steer stopping, team roping, and breakaway calf roping.
At the conclusion of the Finals, a ceremony was held to distribute year end awards. Year end awards were presented to the cowboys and cowgirls based on the total points earned throughout the season in each event. Mattie, Wyatt, and Peyton each brought home several awards in their age divisions. Mattie placed 1st in barrel racing and 4th in pole bending. Wyatt placed 1st in minibull riding, 3rd in goat flanking, 3rd in barrel racing, and 4th in pole bending. Peyton placed 1st in pole bending, 5th in barrels, and 2nd breakaway calf roping.
The IJRA is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing a forum for young cowboys and cowgirls to learn and develop sportsmanship, character, horsemanship, rodeo skills, and to compete with other children their own age in a family environment. If you are interested in joining the IJRA, please let Mattie, Wyatt, or Peyton know.
