Ally Gallagher
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Jr. Rodeo will host a 2022 Jr. NFR qualifier in partnership with the Cody (Wyo.) Nite Rodeo at 8 p.m., July 31. The top five place winners in each event will qualify for the 2022 Jr. NFR.
The champions in Cody also will receive a new American Hat.
The Cody Nite Rodeo has hosted the PRCA Development Program school for the last four years. The Cody Nite School is a week-long program open to contestants to improve their rodeo skill in riding and timed events. The school is led by notable PRCA contestants annually.
“The thing about these camps and rodeos — it is unbelievable the improvement you see in these kids when they have good coaching for longer periods of time,” said Maury Tate, Mo Betta Rodeo Company owner and PRCA stock contractor.
The Cody Nite Rodeo, which started in 1938, hangs it hat on producing 100 days of rodeo annually, typically from June-August. The PRCA Cody Nite Independence Rodeo on July 4 is a fan favorite. The Cody Nite Rodeo has hosted more than 300 NFR competitors and 54 world champions.
Jr. Rodeo is proud to partner with the Cody Nite Rodeo and the community in hosting a 2022 Jr. NFR qualifier. The core rodeo events for contestants 19 and under will be held on the rodeo grounds.
Contestants can enter the Cody Nite Jr. Rodeo starting June 15, and camp registration is already open. Entry fees are $70 for each event, which includes stock charges and insurance. Contestants may enter at https://jrrodeo.org/event-4346591. Entries close at noon (MST), July 21. A day of slack may run on July 30, dependent upon entry numbers.
“It is great to partner the Cody, Wyoming, community and the Cody Nite Rodeo Committee in such an iconic rodeo arena and atmosphere for the next generation of rodeo contestants,” said Anthony Bartkowski, Director of Athlete Development & Welfare for the PRCA. “Our vision in providing competition and skill development opportunities for our members continues to evolve. This is an exciting time to be a member of Jr. Rodeo to get a taste of competing at the highest level.”
Jr. Rodeo is focused on attracting contestants, 8 to 19 years of age, to the sport. Jr. Rodeo provides contestants the opportunity to compete in the core rodeo events: bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, bull riding, steer wrestling, tie-down roping, team roping, barrel racing and breakaway roping. Jr. Rodeo is built on three pillars for success: education, skill development and competition. For more information, visit www.jrrodeo.org.
