The Fair Grove High School offers many different extracurriculars, including FFA, but not always are the interests of every student met. Some students in the high school have passions for other sports and events that the school can’t provide. A few of these high school students have an interest in rodeo related events, including bull riding, team roping, and calf roping.

Brent Church (12), who competes in bull riding, said, “I started about a year ago, but I’ve always wanted to ride bulls. My dad rode bulls, so I grew up with the sport.”

Rodeos are a large part of entertainment here in the Midwest and lots of families like to get involved in them. Many of the Fair Grove students interested in rodeo got started at a young age because of their family. Sierra Anderjaska (12) competes in breakaway roping and team roping. She said, “I’ve been riding horses since I was born but I started rodeoing when I was five because it was something my dad has been doing for a while.”

Bryce Thornton (10), who competes in calf roping and chute dogging, also got started at a young age. Bryce said, “I started because my parents and my sister went to rodeos and competed when I was growing up and I was really wanting to start. I believe I started when I was three riding sheep and I started my roping career around five years old.”

Competing in rodeos causes a tough schedule because many of the competitions are across Missouri and in its surrounding states including, Kansas, Oklahoma, Iowa, and Minnesota! This creates a long agenda filled with many road trips. Sierra added, “My favorite part is the road trips and the memories that we make.”

Competing in rodeos is not only a physical sport but also a mental one, Brent said, “The hardest part is just staying focused on myself and not overthinking about what the bull is going to do and how I need to react.”

These events, while being extremely tough, are also a very fun competition and a new way to meet people, Bryce said, “My favorite part about going to rodeos is competing with and against friends and family. Also getting to meet new people from across the country! As well as meeting the pros!”