After taking second place in the goat tying competition Chase Saxton, of Standish, will be advancing to the first annual Wrangler Junior High Finals Rodeo in Gallup, N.M., from Monday, July 5 through Saturday, July 15. By Ruth Ellis
Staff Writer

Saxton, 13, participated in the Wrangler Jr. Rodeo in Lincoln, Calif., from May 20-21. Only the top four finishers in each event advance to the nationals.

Goat tiers are timed on how long it takes them to tie the goat’s hind legs; when they are finished they put their hands in the air.

Saxton said the flagger will then start another clock and the goat must stay tied for six seconds.

In the top 10 go, Saxton’s time was 12.9 seconds. In the short go, he tied for 15 seconds.

He said he is nervous about the national competition, but is more excited and is practicing more.

The event will feature more than 800 contestants from 41 states and Canadian provinces.

Participants will be competing for more than $75,000 in prizes and more than $50,000 in college scholarships and the chance to be named the Wrangler Junior High Finals Rodeo National Champion.

In order to earn the title, contestants must finish in the top 15 after two go-rounds of intense competition before advancing to Friday’s final national championship performance.

The Saturday championship performance will be televised nationally as part of the "20XrodeoHigh" telecast series. Check local listings for times, or check the media office at nhsrawranglerdivision.com for the broadcast schedule.

In addition to competing in the rodeo and meeting new friends, WJHFR contestants will have the opportunity to enjoy nightly contestant dances, family-oriented sponsored activities by Fellowship of Christian Cowboys and will have the chance to shop at the WJHFR western tradeshow.

To view results visit nhsra.org. For ticket information and reservations call 1-800-380-4989.