Watford City teens rope and ride their way to Grand Reserve Champions
M.K. French
Farmer Staff Writer
Watford City is celebrating a double dose of rodeo excellence after two of its own, Hayden Hutchinson and Zoey Wagoner, finished as Grand Reserve Champions at the recent National High School Finals Rodeo (NHSFR) in Rock Springs, Wyoming. The impressive finish marks a thrilling high point for both teens, showcasing their years of dedication and hard work on a national stage.
For 18-year-old Hayden Hutchinson, the achievement was the culmination of a high school rodeo career that saw him qualify for the finals a remarkable seven consecutive years, from sixth grade through his senior year. After making it to the finals every year, this was his first time making it to the short round, a moment that felt both triumphant and bittersweet. “It was exciting knowing that we beat all those teams and got second,” Hutchinson said in a recent interview. “It was kinda hard, I guess, that [we] come so close, but we sure gave it our all and couldn’t ask for better.”
Hutchinson credited his final year’s success to an unwavering focus and heightened determination. “It’s my last year, last chance to do it, and I practiced every day for two weeks before. Didn’t miss a day,” he stated. “I made sure I was prepared.”
Hutchinson said he owes much of his success in team roping to his long-standing partnership with his horse, ‘Nellie’, whom he has ridden since he started heeling, and his roping partner, Trey Bohmbach of Stanley, who he has competed alongside for years, and who he describes as a “great kid, and a great partner.” Hutchinson plans to take his talents beyond high school. “I’m definitely going to give rodeo a chance,” he said. He also expressed deep gratitude for the support from his hometown, saying the Watford City Rodeo Club and his lifelong friends have been “amazing.”
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