Rodeo prepsters look to finals

HEBER CITY — Rodeo athletes say their sport is unique because of the camaraderie that exists even between fierce competitors.

That spirit shined as bright as the two gold belt buckles that were presented to two student athletes who have competed in high school rodeos this last year despite physical disabilities. Barrel racer Amanda Hines and team roper and cow cutter Scott Carson accepted their buckles at the Wasatch County Fair Grounds to loud applause and a standing ovation during Friday night's state competition.

"I knew I would do it," said a beaming Hines after her cousin, Brynn Rodgers, helped her fasten the new buckle on her belt. "I feel so special. It was great."

Hines suffered some paralysis from a brain tumor that was removed from her brain when she was a small child. Because her right side is weak, her parents worried that barrel racing might be a bit tough for her, when her cousin and best friend, Brynn, approached them about teaching her to ride.

"I'm always nervous," said her father, Kirk Hines. "You always want someone to do well. And she has made huge improvements."

Carson was kicked by a mule when he was a child and has limited use of his right hand, so it's really something to see him roping and riding. He said his father, Francis, got him involved in rodeo, which he hopes to continue.

"It was great," he said. "They got me after the cow cutting. They called my name, and I went over there. I was surprised."

The night featured the top 10 finalists in every event being named at the end of the competition. The top 10 in each event will compete in the state finals Saturday at 5 p.m. The top four in the finals will travel to Nationals in July.

The Top 10 in bullriding are: 1. Rylan Wright, 2. Sonny Murphy, 3. Steve Woolsey, 4. Elex Dudley, 5. Hutch Haslam, 6. Shawn Proctor, 7. Josh Boone, 8. James Allred, 9. Heath Bronson, 10. Brady Sullivan. Hutch Haslam, Morgan, had the best ride Friday night with a score of 80.

The top 10 in saddle bronc are: 1. Bradee Hughes, 2. Tanner Crofts, 3. Steve Woolsey, 4. Jed Prior, 5. Clint Castagno, 6. Lydell Norris, 7. Corry Neilson, 8. Shawn Proctor, 9. James Allred, 10. Clint Moore. Bradee Hughes won Friday night's competition with 76 points.

The top 10 bareback riders are: 1. Hutch Haslam, 2. Calem Bennett, 3. Kaycee Field, 4. Alex Dudley, 5. Tanner Crofts, 6. Preston Sessions, 7. Dallas Finlinson, 8. Casey Bair, 9. Chase Anderson, 10. Blake Anderson. Hutch Haslam won Friday night's competition with 10 points.