By Shannon Lukens. (McCarty photos courtesy Accentric Rodeo, via Angela McCarty)

 

Two Northwest Colorado athletes recently qualified for the National High School Rodeo Finals in Gillette, Wyoming. All 50 states were represented along with Australia, Mexico and Canada.

 

Katie Jo Knez pictures courtesy Jess Manolovits

 

Katie Jo Knez will be a senior at Moffat County High School. It was the fifth time she qualified for Breakaway Roping.

“Overall Nationals, it was a super good experience again. I just love being able to make it there and qualify with all other people that are great in the nation. It’s just super cool.”

 

Kael McCarty is second from left. Photo courtesy Accentric Rodeo, via Angela McCarty.

Kael McCarty also competed at Nationals. He just graduated from Steamboat Springs High School, but competes with the Moffat County Rodeo Team in Bareback Riding.

“It was really fun. Had a good time. Lot of good people there. I really enjoyed it.”

Photo courtesy Accentric Rodeo, via Angela McCarty

While at Nationals, Kael received a scholarship from the National High School Rodeo Foundation. He learned bareback riding with Rocky Mountain Mini Broncs out of Hayden. He also played hockey for the Sailors.

Kael is headed to Western Colorado Community College in the fall and will compete with the Colorado Mesa University Rodeo Team.

 

All 50 states were represented at the 2023 National High School Rodeo Finals, with 1,785 contestants, 2,240 stalls, 1,490 camping spots, and jackpot money of $339,000. Over $300K was awarded in NHSRA Scholarships with $2,500 to each world Champion.