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Waller High School Rodeo Rides to State

Photo of WHS Rodeo State Qualifiers Over the years Waller High School (WHS) Rodeo has consistently had students qualify for the Texas High School Rodeo State Finals. This year was no different with 10 talented students advancing. WHS Rodeo is a member of the Texas High School Rodeo Association, the largest, most prestigious state high school rodeo association in the nation. Its main focus is to support young people, academically and in rodeo, and increase the number and size of college scholarships awarded to the athletes. Rodeo season begins in August and ends in June at the State Finals.

“Rodeo is important because cowboys are a dying legacy and the sport of rodeo comes from that time,” Connor Norris said. “If rodeo dies, then the cowboy legacy dies.”

Texas High School Rodeo is split into 10 different regions. While Waller County falls under Region 7, students can choose in which region they compete. This year, WHS had students compete in Regions 6, 7, and 9. To advance to the State Finals, students had to place in the top 10 in their region.

Congratulations to the following State qualifiers:

  • Bareback Riding: TaDarius Miles (second)
  • Barrel Racing: Baylee Burleson (third) and Payten Wendt (10th)
  • Breakaway: Kirby Rawlinson (fifth)
  • Bull Riding: TaDarius Miles (fourth)
  • Calf Roping: Shayne Krolczyk (second)
  • Cutting: Lexy Slaughter (first) and Brooklyn Bean (second)
  • Goat Tying: Kirby Rawlinson (fifth)
  • Steer Wrestling: Shayne Krolczyk (third)
  • Team Roping: Shayne Krolczyk (second), Kirby Rawlinson (third), Colby Boettcher (third), Connor Norris (fifth), and Luke McDuffie (10th)

“Making it to State is a great accomplishment because we practice all year long and our hard work pays off,” said Rawlinson.

Krolczyk was also selected as the Region 7 Boys All-Around Champion. The All-Around Champion is awarded to the person that is most successful in two or more events. Competitors total their points from all of their events and whoever has the highest combined total is named Champion.

“Being All-Around Champion feels unbelievable because I’ve achieved something I have always wanted to do,” Krolczyk said.

Waller ISD wishes each student good luck at the State Finals that will be held June 8-15 in Abilene, TX. There, students will compete for a chance to advance to the National High School Rodeo Finals.