Equestrian Network Magazine

The National High School Rodeo Association

by Michael Hausmann

Media Coordinator, (NHSRA)

When it comes to sporting events, no one can deny that the "big four" in North America are football, hockey, basketball, and baseball. The sports are indeed popular for a reason, as they consistently showcase superior athleticism and skill in an entertaining venue.

Yet there also continues to be a surge of activity in other sports - events that although may not be as popular as the games that garner so much attention in the media, are nevertheless legitimate and are gaining in popularity. The sport of rodeo falls into this special category. Increased exposure on television has certainly aided in the growing popularity of the sport. And thousands of students are quickly learning what other people have known for a long time - that when it comes to teaching important lessons in sportsmanship and the "game of life," the sport of rodeo cannot be beat.

For more than 10,000 youth in the United States, Canada, and Australia, the National High School Rodeo Association (NHSRA) provides a forum for fostering healthy competition and helping to prepare students for the future by providing over $900,000 in scholarship funds each year. Unlike many other sports, rodeo is not formally recognized by high school athletics. Yet the rules and regulations within the event make it a very attractive pastime for competitors, and later on perhaps even a career. As a non-profit educational organization, the goal of the NHSRA is to enable success in the sport and beyond by providing a solid support structure for all students.

"It is the inherent desire of every American youth to play cowboy,... They want to be good cowboys, for cowboys made America." - Claude Mullins

In 1947, a gentleman from Halletsville, Texas named Claude Mullins recognized the incredible influence of the western lifestyle and how its positive impact could be conveyed to youth around the world. Fifty-nine years later, his creation is still thriving. Over time, the NHSRA has developed into one of the premier youth organizations in the world. The mission of the organization is to: promote the sport of rodeo and the highest type of conduct and sportsmanship and expose its positive image to the general public; to preserve the western heritage; to offer a privilege of family bonding; to offer an opportunity of continuing education; and to maintain the highest regard for the livestock.

"It is the inherent desire of every American youth to play cowboy," Claude once said. "They want to be good cowboys, for cowboys made America."

Indeed, many of the professional rodeo athletes on the circuits today found their start in the NHSRA. The first National High School Finals Rodeo was held in August of 1949.And the tradition continues to grow today. The NHSFR regularly features over 1,500 contestants from forty states, five Canadian provinces and Australia. The annual event is on a geographically rotational basis, moving from location to location every two years. The NHSRA is excited to be returning to Springfield, Illinois July 24-30 for this year's competition.

Getting involved in the NHSRA is easy. Students simply join and get involved in their local state association. By doing so, they gain access to all of the national membership benefits of the association. And the organization continues to grow to reflect rodeo's increasing popularity. Most recently, the state of Alaska joined the NHSRA, with nine students making their first trek to a Finals Rodeo when they traveled all the way to Gillette, Wyoming in July of 2005.

In addition to honing their rodeo skills, students are also encouraged to get involved in their state associations via elected office and volunteerism in a variety of efforts. A Student President, Vice President, and Secretary are elected by association members at every NHSFR.And one deserving candidate from among the state royalty is also crowned as the NHSRA Queen for the upcoming year.

Recognizing that rodeo is enjoying a gain in popularity among younger youth as well, the NHSRA recently partnered with Wrangler Jeans and Shirts to create the NHSRA Wrangler Division. The Division was created in 2004 and basically acts as a national membership organization for junior high rodeo competitors. During its first full year of operation, Division organizers hoped to see a total of twenty-five states and provinces create organizations within their area. When all was tallied, a total of thirty states had joined the effort as charter members and over 600 students made history in Gallup, New Mexico in July of 2005 when they participated in the first Wrangler Junior High Finals Rodeo. Eleven more states and provinces have recently joined the Division and Gallup is now expecting to see approximately 900 competitors for the 2006 WJHFR, which will be held July 10-15.

All of the successes that the NHSRA has enjoyed throughout the years would not be possible without the financial support of sponsors, members, and fans.And the amount of time that is volunteered to the NHSRA by eager supporters is truly staggering. Each state and province elects an adult to serve on the national board. Not only do board members volunteer their time in helping ensure the association adequately plans for the future, many of them are also members of other sub-committees within the association as well. All of this work is done because of their belief in the sport, and more importantly, their dedication to the youth and the recognition that today's students really are the future of our society.

Involvement in extracurricular activities and other causes is an integral part of the development of youth. The National High School Rodeo Association is proud of its accomplishments, the competitors that have graced the rodeo arena throughout the years, and the overwhelming belief that the best is yet to come. We welcome you to take this journey with us.

For more information on the NHSRA, visit www.nhsra.org or contact the national office in Denver, Colorado at 1-800-46-NHSRA.

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