Locals go at HS finals rodeo

GILLETTE, Wyo. — Rodeo has been a lifelong love for the four competitors from the Flathead Valley representing Montana in this week’s National High School Finals Rodeo.

Brooke Wilson began riding horses at 4, and Dalton May first jumped on a “mini bull” at the same age.

McKinnon Little started rodeo when she was 6 years old.

Tyrell Toren, the late bloomer of the group, mounted a bull for the first time at age 9.

For all four, their appearance at the largest rodeo in the world will be not only a dream come true, but also a culmination of years of hard work and dedication.

“It’s a really nerve-wracking experience,” said Little, a senior from Essex who will compete in breakaway roping. “There’s so many kids, and it’s the best of the best in high school. You’re not there unless you rope good. It’s exciting. I think everyone there is going to try their best, and no matter what, it’s going to be a great experience.”

The four Flathead Valley natives will be among more than 1,750 total participants competing in 26 events and representing 43 states, five Canadian provinces and Australia.

Each will be chasing a share of the $550,000 of prize money and college scholarships available to top finishers.

The cowboys and cowgirls qualified for the NHSFR with their performances at the annual Montana High School Rodeo Association state finals. The top four finishers in each event earned the opportunity to compete on Montana’s behalf at nationals.

Toren, a junior from Kalispell, will be making his second appearance at the event, and May, Little and Wilson will all be first-time participants in the NHSFR.

The chance to compete for the state — not against others from within Montana, as is typically the case — is one aspect of the NHSFR the area competitors said they are particularly looking forward to.

“I think it’s awesome,” said Wilson, a Bigfork junior and qualifier in barrel racing. “I think Montana’s a great state, especially for rodeo, and I think a lot of kids and the animals they compete on have a lot of talent. I’m just excited to see what everybody has to bring to the table at nationals and see everybody from all over the country.”

The emotions experienced by the four area participants as they prepare for the NHSFA are varied.

Toren, the only one of the four to qualify in two events (bull riding and saddle bronc riding), expressed both excitement and a bit of nervousness, while Wilson said “it’s just pure excitement” for her.

May, a senior from Kalispell who will compete in bareback riding, spoke for all, however, when he said he is anxious to arrive and start the events.

“I feel ready to do my job and hopefully come back with the saddle for Montana,” May said.

In addition to the years of their lives dedicated to rodeo, the preparation for this event has been strenuous.

For each of the athletes, that has meant hours of training and up to three practice sessions each day.

Little was even set to compete in two rodeos on the drive down to Gillette.

While the riders have their training in common, their goals for the competition, like the emotions they have entering it, are mixed.

For May and Torne, the expectation is simple: win their respective events.

“That’s always everybody’s goal is to win it,” Toren said. “But my main goal is just to place in the top 5, make it to the short round and then go from there.”

Little said she would be happy to advance to the finals in breakaway roping, and Wilson said she is more focused on enjoying the experience than her final position.

“I haven’t really thought about that,” Wilson said of her expectations for the NHSFR. “I feel like my horse and I are lucky enough to be going there, and all we can do now is be the best we can be and go out there and do what we love.”

Little, Toren, May and Wilson will compete throughout the week in Gillette, where events began Sunday and run through Saturday. A full schedule of events and live television coverage of the NHSFR can be found online at nhsratv.com.

“Montana has a lot of great athletes,” Little said. “There’s a lot of good kids going. It’s great to be one of them, and hopefully do well.”