Utah rodeo wins NHFR national title
Utah's high school rodeo cowboys and cowgirls are the undisputed national rodeo champions.
The team of 24 Utah high school students achieved that status by winning their third consecutive national crown during the National High School Finals Rodeo competition in Farmington, N.M. this summer. Utah scored a total of 9,229 points. Texas placed second with 7,918 points with Louisiana placing third with 5,682 points.
This third consecutive victory entitles the Utah team to permanently keep and display the traveling high school rodeo trophy. That trophy will be housed at the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food building in Salt Lake City following its recent presentation to Commissioner Leonard Blackham. "This is a fantastic and well deserved accomplishment for our high school team," said Commissioner Blackham. "The important lessons you've learned through this experience will remain with you for your entire life. I am proud of you, and your state is proud of you," he added. In addition to winning the national title, Utah students placed well in individual events. Spencer Wright of Milford won the Saddle Bronc Riding event, Taci Shaffer of Hyde Park was crowned the National High School Rodeo Queen.
The Utah boys won the boys champion team and the Utah girls won the girls champion team competition.
Utah and Texas have dominated the national competition for the past 15 years with Utah winning the national crown seven times with Texas winning six times.
The Utah High School Rodeo program includes students from schools in nearly every county in the state and is financially supported by the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food.
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