Two local high school rodeo contestants have earned the chance to compete at the National High School Finals Rodeo in Gillette, WY. Last weekend, the Illinois High School Rodeo Association held their state finals competition in Monticello. In order to qualify for Nationals, contestants must finish in the top 4 in each of their events.
Aleah Higgs, the daughter of Jeff and Julie Higgs, finished second overall for the year in the pole bending and barrel racing events. Aleah and her horse Jamie had a solid weekend, finishing in the top three in both events in all four performances at state finals. This will be Aleah’s first trip to the NHSFR.
Preston Schafer, the son of Tim and Tina Schafer, finished first for the year in the bull riding competition. Preston also finished first for the weekend, riding three out of four of his bulls. This will be his fourth trip to the NHSFR.
The NHSFR will be held July 17-23. Contestants from all over the United States as well as Canada, Mexico, and Australia will be competing. The event will be televised on Cowboy Channel+. Both Aleah and Preston would like to thank their families and the community for their support.
