By Tracey Scott
Special To Ropers Sports News
Bishop, California was once again the destination for over 300 high school rodeo contestants this June. After the CHSRA gave the okay to resume rodeo in August, the nine CHSRA Districts held rodeos throughout the state leading to the determination of the top six in each district and state teams. Although there were some bumps in the road with closed facilities and county restrictions, CHSRA actually had an increase in membership. Many athletes who could not compete in their first sport of choice through school, joined up and had some fun.
CHSRA has been traveling to Bishop since 2005. This community has been hit hard by COVID and then the fires of 2020 also impacted tourism and business. On March 1, 2021, Joel Church, CHSRA President, got confirmation that the State Finals could be held with possible restrictions such as masks and limited capacity come June. By the time they arrived the students found the city with open arms happy to see the colored vests and bicycle riding visitors again.
After the one-year absence it was obvious that the kids have been practicing and working hard during this time at home. The team roping short round is a great example with times of 7 and 8 seconds. Every event was very competitive and a strong Nationals Team is heading to Nebraska in July. Many main sponsors still supported the Finals and with a “grab and go” welcome dinner the week was a huge success. The opening performance featured a tribute to veterans and first responders. The arena was filled with law enforcement, firefighters, veterans, and even a hook and ladder fire truck. CHSRA has many to thank for this and first are the volunteers who worked many days prior and all week making the ground excellent and the performances run smoothly.
The full results are on the website, chsra.com but here are the 2021 State Champions:
Barrels: Skyler Alves, D7. Tie Down: Kyle Stewart, D1. Bareback Riding: Jacek Frost, D1. Goat Tying: Presley Scalzo, D7. Steer Wrestling: Owen Redfeairn, D6. Bull Riding: Andy Guzman, D5. Saddle Bronc: Tyler Jones, D6. Breakaway: Fallon Ruffoni, D7. Team Roping: Parker Jones, and Tucker Donlon, D7. Polebending: Fallon Ruffoni, D7. Girls Cutting: Gracie Beth Sutton, D8. Boys Cutting: Kerry Duvall, D5. Reined Cow Horse: Pierce Wold, D3. Girls All Around: Fallon Ruffoni, D7. Boys All Around: Pierce Wold, D3. District 7 won the Team Competition.
Thanks go to our sponsors as well. Les Schwab, Cactus Saddlery, Cactus Gear, Heel-O-Matic, Resistol, Cactus Ropes Ropers Sports News, Platinum Performance, Boot Barn, Professional’s Choice and Zack Ranch.
CHSRA All Around Champions Pierce Wold, D3 (r), and Fallon Ruffoni, D7 (l). Presenting is Queen Courtney Jones, D9.
