Connally, Denton compete at rodeo finals

By Kathy Thomson

Junior Mady Connally and sophomore Addie Beth Denton were among 700 high school students from across the state who competed in the Texas High School Rodeo Association State Finals held at the Taylor County Expo Center in Abilene last week, and although neither of the Albany High students made it to the short go this year, both intend to be back at the finals next July. 

Connally qualified for pole bending at the state rodeo by placing fourth in the Region 3 year-end standings, while Denton returned to the finals in goat tying for the second year in a row by taking seventh in the region. This was Connally’s first trip to the Texas High School Rodeo Finals.

Denton tied her first goat in 8.390 seconds in spite of losing both of her stirrups in the alley way on the way in. However, the goat on her second run struggled a lot and pulled all but the hoof of one leg out of the tie, causing Denton to use up precious time to re-do the tie and make sure the goat wouldn’t kick loose. The tie held, but Denton’s run took 9.830 seconds, too long for her to make it to the short go.

However, Denton did make it on the air for a few seconds during the evening news on Monday, June 10.

KTXS reporter John Rupolo caught Denton as she was walking through the arena gate and asked her to explain goat tying.

Connally’s event also pits her and her horse against the clock.

Connally weaved through the poles in 22.433 seconds in the first go. Her second trip would have been just a shade quicker if her horse had not cut the pattern a little too close. The 10 second penalty for knocking down two poles left Connally’s time at 32.218.

“We had a great time,” said Denton’s mother Dena. “We got a little more experience, and we will be back next year.”

Connally also intends to earn her way to a return trip.

For now, both of the athletes are practicing and getting ready for two AJAR rodeos this weekend, and Denton will also compete in the Texas FFA rodeo next month.

TSHRA

The THSRA is a 501-C non-profit organization which sponsors over 125 rodeos per year throughout ten regions across Texas. The rodeo year begins in August and concludes with the Texas High School Finals Rodeo in June, where the top cowboys and cowgirls from each region compete for numerous awards, scholarships, and the honor of representing the State of Texas at the National High School Finals Rodeo held each July.

The THSRA began in Hallettsville, TX in 1946 to encourage rural-oriented youth to stay in school and complete their studies. Students must maintain certain academic standards through out the school year in order to be eligible to compete.