Albany 7th grader wins at AJRA finals

By Kathy Thomson

Will LeMay and his horse “Alf” won four saddles at the American Junior Rodeo Association 67th National Finals Rodeo in Sweetwater, Texas last week, July 23-27 and also claimed several belt buckles, three hat certificates, cash, and other prizes in the 9-12 Boys division.

Will LeMay entered all four of the roping events, but he did not compete in steer riding, the only other class for boys his age. 

The incoming seventh grader took the top spot in his division in Tie Down Calf Roping, Breakaway Roping, Double Mugging, Ribbon Roping, and All-Around Cowboy. 

Because one saddle was awarded in Optional Roping, which included both breakaway and ribbon ropers, LeMay was awarded a total of four saddles, not five.

Will LeMay also won a buckle in each of his events as the year end champion, and was the runner up for high point cowboy in his age group for the AJRA NFR finals. 

Gracie LeMay and Addie Beth Denton competed at the AJRA finals in the girls 16-19 age group.

Awards were given through sixth place.

Gracie LeMay and her horse “Dollar” finished sixth overall for the year in goat tying. 

Denton placed just out of the year-end awards in goat tying.

“This was Gracie and Will’s second year to compete,” said their mother Roxanne LeMay. “They both had the privilege to help with the Exceptional Kids Rodeo for special needs children while there.”