On their third weekend of rodeo, the Malad High School Rodeo Club and District 9 participants competed at the Oneida County Fairgrounds for their back to back rodeo beginning the evening of Friday, May 10.  While Malad’s club may be small, the various cowboys and cowgirls have not only competed but found their way to the top more often than not.

Over the two day event, the Malad rodeo team competed against other participants from around south eastern Idaho, northern Utah and south eastern Wyoming.  Throughout the course of the spring and fall rodeo season, the contestants have been accumulating points earned by placing in the top ten for each rodeo.  At the end of the season, the cowboys and cowgirls that have tallied up the most points will qualify to compete in the state high school rodeo held in Pocatello, Idaho mid June.

Competing for Malad this season is Bella Smith in breakaway roping, barrel racing, pole bending and team roping.  Of the six rodeos thus far, Bella has won the breakaway twice and barrel racing once.  Bella is currently sitting in sixth place in the breakaway standings.

Easton Wrigley, competing in barrel racing, goat tying, and pole bending, has found great success as well, sitting in tenth place in both goat tying and pole bending.  Rounding out the cowgirl side of Malad’s team is Karsen Thornock, competing in barrel racing and pole bending.

Ruger Smith has been a standout as he has competed in steer wrestling and tie down roping with more than five top three finishes.  Ruger and Branson Parker partner in the team roping and have tallied up a handful of points in the events as well.

Riding bulls for the Malad club are Rusty Foy and Ike Dredge, both which have had qualified rides.  Alex Marshall also competes in the team roping and steer wrestling, but due to an injury, has been unable to compete in all of the rodeos.  Cooper Branch of Stone competes in the team roping events as well, managing a few points over the weeks.

The Oneida County cowboys and cowgirls will compete in their final weekend of rodeos in Preston, Idaho on May 16, 17 and 18 at the District rodeos.