Local rider wins big on rodeo circuit

CEDAR FORT— When Lekelsi Dansie was little, she felt a need for speed. And from the looks of it she isn't slowing down.

In June, Dansie won the All-Around Cowgirl title at the Utah High School Rodeo Association Finals in Heber City.

Competing in almost every event would be exhausting to some, but the Cedar Valley teen saw it as an opportunity to gain her biggest victory.

"I was the reserve all-around cowgirl last year at state finals," Dansie said. "Winning the all-around has been my goal all yearlong."

Dansie began her rodeo career as a little girl, following in the footsteps of her brother and sister. She competed first in little buckaroo rodeos and then in high school rodeo.

"We've had a lot of fun through high school rodeo," Dansie's father said. "Our children have had good experiences and gained determination and a work ethic."

To qualify for the world's biggest rodeo, the National High School Finals Rodeo, an athlete must place in the top four at state finals in their respective event. Competitors placing fifth to tenth place qualify for the prestigious Silver State Invitational Rodeo in Fallon, Nev. Dansie competed in four events in Fallon over the Fourth of July weekend, including barrel racing, goat tieing, breakaway roping, and girls cow cutting. She once again proved to be one of the most versatile athletes in the field. She claimed the title of Reserve All-Around Cowgirl, right behind teammate Courtney Madsen. Dansie also won the girl's cow cutting and first place in the second go-round in the barrel racing.

"I love high school rodeo, but I need to start winning some money," she said.

Dansie said she'll really miss her friends and fellow high school rodeo contestants. She recently accepted a scholarship with the Salt Lake Community College rodeo team.

Perhaps her most lofty endeavor was chasing her pro rodeo permit before entering a college rodeo. Dansie has been competing in barrel racing at some of Utah's biggest Professional Cowboys' Rodeo Association celebrations.

Dansie won money at the PRCA rodeo in Tooele and in Delta, enough money to fill her PRCA permit and purchase her PRCA membership card. She even had the opportunity to run at the Strawberry Days Rodeo in Pleasant Grove where she competed against last year's world champion barrel racer in the Women's Professional Rodeo Association.

"It is pretty neat to run against that caliber of athletic ability," Dansie said.