Three area cowboys and cowgirls will be competing this week at the 2000 National High School Finals Rodeo today through Sunday, July 25-30, in Springfield, Ill.

Two members of the Ute Mountain High School Rodeo Team qualified. Claire Lindus made the Colorado Team by finishing third in the girls cutting at the Colorado High School Finals Rodeo held last month in Greeley. Jake Gordanier placed fourth in steer wrestling. Gordanier also qualified for the Silver State Rodeo held in Nevada.

An independent performer, Stephanie Vogel, qualified by finishing second in girls cutting.

This is Lindus’ second straight trip to nationals. Vogel and Gordanier are making their first appearance.

Senior scholarship interviews were held during the state finals. Colorado State High School Rodeo Association scholarships were awarded to Ute Mountain Rodeo Team president Jeremy Redshaw and team vice president Lindus.

Featuring more than 1,500 contestants from 38 states, four Canadian Provinces, and for the first time Australia, the National High School Finals Rodeo is the world’s largest rodeo. In addition to competing for more than $100,000 in prizes, NHSFR contestants will also be vying for more than $150,000 in college scholarships.

Contestants will get the chance to be named National High School Rodeo champion. To earn this title, contestants must finish in the top 20 after two go-rounds of competition before advancing to Sunday’s final championship performance. This year, the Sunday Championship performance will be televised nationally on the Outdoor Channel in a three-week long series. The finals will be taped and televised Aug. 23-30 with the last episode Sept. 6. All shows will be featured as part of the Outdoor Channel’s weekly Rodeo Roundup show.

Along with the rodeo competition, NHSFR cowboys and cowgirls will have the opportunity to represent their team in a volleyball tournament, attend a concert, and enjoy nightly contestant dances. Ricochet, country music recording artists, will perform at the Wrangler Cowboy Prom. They will also get the opportunity to attend a trade show and some of the historical attractions near Springfield.

Male contestants will be competing in bareback riding, bull riding, calf roping, cattle cutting, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling and team roping. Female contestants will compete in barrel racing, breakaway calf roping, cattle cutting, goat tying, pole bending, and team roping. One female contestant from each state/province will be eligible to take part in the NHSFR Queen Contest. There will be various events associated with the queen contest scheduled throughout the week.

The Ute Mountain Rodeo Team already is looking forward to the 2000-2001 season. The first rodeo of the fall season will be held Sept. 2-4 at the Montezuma County Fairgrounds.