She had been there and done that last year.

Stephanie Vogel of Cortez successfully defended her state title in the girls cutting horse competition at last week’s Colorado High School Rodeo Association Finals Rodeo in Greeley.

Competing all season as an independent, Vogel qualified to compete at the National High School Finals Rodeo July 23-29 in Springfield, Ill. This will be her second straight year of going to nationals. She placed 18th out of a field of 120 a year ago.

"I didn’t know what to expect last year at nationals," she said. "I tried to go to as many shows as I could before nationals and that was probably a mistake. Once I got there, I was nervous and didn’t have the experience. I will be a little better prepared this year and know what to expect."

Vogel won the event going away with 210.00 points. Carrying 100 points into the event, she had a solid first preliminary go-round with 71 points.

"It had rained again, but the cattle were better this year than last year," she said. "I wasn’t nervous this time. I went in and made a good cut. I cut out two cows. I knew I had to have going in."

She had an even better second go with a score of 73. She didn’t panic in the short go finals and scored a 72 to clinch the title.

"I knew I could do it if I could push my horse," Vogel remarked. "He (Dynamite) is such a great horse and loves to work the cows. The second go I had cows that would show off my horse. That really made things easier. I got two cows again and I worked them really well. I did really good that go. In the finals, I did what I had to do."

Meghan Tomlinson of Montrose was a distant second at 184.50. Two members of the Ute Mountain High School Rodeo Team, comprised of students who go to school at MCHS, Mancos, Dolores, and Dolores County high schools, also placed in girls cutting. Jamie Ferguson of Dolores finished fifth with 111.0, and Lindsey Maez of Cortez came in eighth with 45.00.

Vogel, although competing as an independent, was coached by Mark Darling of Ignacio.

Sandy Tozer of Cortez came in sixth in calf roping with an average of 129.5. Jake Gordanier of Cortez came in fifth in steer wrestling with 143.50 average.

Several awards were made following the rodeo. Shonda Potter of Pueblo was chosen Queen. Kyle Magee of Byers was named Rookie Boy. J.C. Honey of Rocky Ford was named Rookie Girl. Luke Gray of Eagle earned All-Around Boy honors while Brandee Heathcock of Colorado Springs was chosen All-Around Girl. Horse of the Year Boy went to Luke Lancaster of Bennett while Horse of the Year Girl went to Angela Nay of Norwood.

Created by Texas educator and rodeo contestant Claude Mullins, the NHSRA held its first finals in Halletsville, Texas, Aug. 25-27, 1949. Mullins founded the NHSRA on two principles: To encourage youth to stay in school and to promote the highest type of conduct and sportsmanship. The NHSRA has honored Claude Mullins' vision by maintaining the integrity and standards he set forth. Stressing the importance of education and teaching life skills such as leadership, responsibility, dedication and commitment will continue to be the purpose and goal of this organization.

One of the fastest growing youth organizations in the nation, the NHSRA has an annual membership of over 12,500 students from 39 states, four Canadian provinces and Australia, and sanctions over 1,100 rodeos each year. The NHSRA is governed by a national board of directors (one from each state or province) while a staff at the National Headquarters in Denver, handles the day-to-day operations.

Vogel also barrel races. She did not qualify for nationals in that event. At State, she did not get a time her first run and rounded the Texas cloverleaf pattern in 18.56 but she was not good enough to qualify for nationals in that event.

She attended several rodeos throughout the fall and spring seasons.

"I had a good spring season. I won several rodeos but I didn’t do well at Fort Collins," Vogel recalled.

She plans to attend several cuttings before heading to nationals. She will compete in Ignacio next weekend and then a big cutting in Ridgway for the Fourth of July. There is one in Cortez and another in Farmington just before I leave.

Vogel will join other Colorado cowboys and cowgirls who have qualified for nationals and more than 1,500 other contestants who hail from 38 states and four Canadian Provinces, and for the second time some from Australia at the world’s largest rodeo. They will be vying for the honor 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 performance.

Vogel plans on attending Colorado State University this fall. She wants to major in business.

She is the daughter of Richard and Karen Vogel of Dolores.