With the new school year already in session, teams begin to assemble and bonds start to form with the new kids on campus, freshmen. The North Texas High School rodeo team acquired eight new freshman members to replace graduates Tyler Lisby, Shelby Argo and Cody Pollard from last year.
“Our initial goal for this year was to build membership,” rodeo team coach and parent, Tanya Wilson said.
New competitors include Cody Reed, Chance Walther, Shelby Drews, Lawson Harris, Cody Kral, Jake Cobb, Travis Taylor and Chase Gasperson.
“I think our team will do very well,” Wilson said. “I think there will be several [freshmen] going to the finals at the end of the year and I’m very excited about that.”
President of the rodeo team, junior Parker Slate, knows that so many new members bring a competitive edge to the arena.
“It gives us more points at the rodeo,” he said.
A new year and a new team presents endless possibilities for the team.
“I look forward to the team building friendships, [doing] team activities, teaching, learning, and giving back to the community and just making every opportunity available to the kids,” Wilson said.
Newly gained freshman Cody Reed competed in bull riding at the local rodeos before high school.
“[I joined the rodeo team] because I have a talent to ride bulls; so I thought, why not use it?” he said.
Passionate about each ride, Reed keeps a certain personal mental state when he slides into the chute and on top of the massive bull.
“My mindset goes from being scared out of my mind when I first get there to being pumped when I get behind the chutes and ready to fight!” he said.
Before this year, Reed and the other freshmen members already developed a team bond that goes beyond the arena.
“They’re behind the chutes with me at all the rodeos [before I ride,]” he said.
With his goals mapped out, Reed can’t wait to ride eight seconds at the high school rodeos.
“I’m excited to go to all the rodeos this year and the finals at the Fort Worth Coliseum,” he said.
The North Texas High School Rodeo Association awards a Rookie of the Year award to the top freshman boy and girl each season. With so many new candidates for this year, Wilson knows it’s a possibility.
“I do think that one of them is already in the running for Rookie of the Year and I think we have some outstanding ropers on the team,” she said.
The new membership and team camaraderie give Wilson high expectations for the season.
“I think it’s a great group of kids this year,” she said. “I’m so glad everyone’s involved and dedicated and working towards a common goal.”
The team competes every weekend at the NTHSRA rodeo arena in Saginaw. For more information, visit the North Texas website @ http://www.nthsra.org.
