A stellar performance from Oakdale students at the District 5 Championship Rodeo has propelled 18 of them to the pinnacle arena of high school and junior high festivities.
Eight Oakdale residents and junior high students made the cut to represent District 5 at the California Junior High State Finals in Plymouth from May 17 to 19, while another 10 prep students made waves to qualify for the California High School Rodeo Association State Finals in Bishop from June 8 to 15.
Reigning District 5 all-around champion, Colton Farquer of Oakdale High, defended his 2012 title to ensure his trip to state. He is joined by a cast that includes Terrilyn Balaam, Judah Burton, Caden Farquer, Wyatt Hammond, Tanner Kent, Austin Paddock, Jaycee Spence, and Cassie Wilkerson.
Oakdale junior high students Rylee George and Wyatt Hansen also nabbed all-around status after a thrilling District 5 finish. They will be joined by Tate Borba, Kelsey Cadwell, Cierra Polhemus, Machaela Sinclair, Clayton Smith, and Kenzie Spence.
Oakdale High will also send District 5 queen, Elizabeth Staal, to compete for the honor of becoming the state queen.