Jackson rodeo stars qualify for nationals
by Brandon Zimmerman, Jackson Hole, Wyo.
June 29, 2009
The Jackson Hole High School rodeo team picked up plenty of honors this weekend at the state rodeo finals in Douglas.
Four members of the team qualified for nationals: senior A.J. Fuchs in cutting and team roping, senior Jake Mangis in team roping, senior Tayler Holmes in breakaway roping and sophomore Shyann Lucas in barrels and poles.
The top four finishers in each event at the state rodeo advance to nationals, which begin July 19 in Farmington, N.M. It will be the first trip to nationals for Holmes and Lucas.
Holmes qualified by finishing fourth in breakaway roping. Lucas finished third in barrels and pole bending.
Fuchs won the boys’ cutting and teamed up with Riverton’s Matt Schieck for first place in team roping.
Jake Mangis and Greeley’s Kade Merritt finished second in team roping.
Winners were honored at a ceremony Sunday night in Douglas.
Also over the weekend, Mangis was named the 2009 Through With Chew Rodeo All-Star of the Year. Lance Creek’s Jordan Ann Thurston was the female winner.
Mangis and Thurston each will receive a $1,000 college scholarship from Wyoming Through With Chew and The Sports Flash Radio Network.
The Wyoming Through With Chew Rodeo All-Stars campaign honors the best high-school rodeo competitors in Wyoming who have pledged not to use any tobacco products.
Fuchs, Holmes and Lucas also were finalists for the award.
