Hilmar youth cowboy Preston Burgess is like oxygen — he’s All-Around.
The standout horseman and roper followed up 2013 All-Around honors in La Grange, Clements, Turlock, Woodside and Rowell Ranch with a spectacular showing at the 2013 Oakdale Saddle Club Junior Rodeo on Saturday, Aug. 17.
For his efforts accumulating $422.50 in winnings and a total of 45 points, the youngster was awarded another All-Around title in Junior Boys and achieved the highest payday amongst hundreds of youth competitors.
He would also land a brilliant 11.79-second team roping title with Rylie Amarant, who became the No. 2 money-winner ($365.62) and All-Around Senior Boy award winner. All-Around titles also went to Junior Girl Mikayla Hagemann ($379.38) and Senior Girl Cassidy Barnes ($243.75).
Not counting buckles and prizes, a total of $7,814.51 in winnings was awarded to a stellar group of competitors. The OSC Junior Rodeo handed out $7,385.50 a year ago.
The thrills were nonstop at the rodeo grounds on Saturday.
Between bull riding, steer riding, saddle bronc riding, chute dogging, calf riding, bareback riding, team roping, steer wrestling, steer stopping, tie-down roping, breakaway roping, pole bending, goat tying and barrel racing, the pace never faltered.
District 5 competitors were heavily featured.
Oakdale cowboy Tanner Kent, fresh off a fourth place finish at the Nationals Finals Rodeo (team roping),was the No. 4 Senior Boy and shined in team roping, tie-down roping and steer stopping, taking home $185.63 in earnings.
Other locals to impress were Jolie Balaam (goat tying, breakaway roping, pole bending, barrel racing – second in junior girls with $275 earned), Wyatt Hansen (steer stopping, tie-down roping, No. 5 senior boy, $145.01).
Also, Kelsey Cadwell was fourth in junior girls, $158.75 (pole bending, goat tying, break away roping, single stake champ), and Michaela Sinclair was fifth in junior girls at $142.50 (goat tying champ).
Rylee George took home $105 (single stake, pole bending), while Caden Farquer and Judah Burton also showed well (team roping duo).
Twenty-four youth competitors ended with over $100 in cash rewards. The event saw strong attendance from a collection of parents and rodeo fans.
The earnings were collected from 50 percent of the entry fee. The saddle club and various sponsors provided silver buckles and the assortment of prizes for contestants.
