Peterson, LeMay qualify for finals

By Sam Waller

Albany cowboys Will LeMay and Cort Peterson stepped onto a big stage last week when they competed in the Junior World Rodeo Finals in Las Vegas.

The duo competed in team roping Dec. 5-11 at the Las Vegas Convention Center’s Wrangler Arena.

“It was pretty fun going up against some tough competition,” Peterson said. “A lot of the people there were my friends who also qualified. It was great to go and be with them and rope.”

LeMay said the experience was worth the long trip.

“It teaches you how to handle the pressure,” he said.

Peterson and Peyton Cooper of Hamlin finished 13th out of 31 teams in the Open Division average at 2034.8 seconds on five head. LeMay and Peterson placed 23rd at 4006.9 on five.

LeMay also competed in the #9.5 Division with two other partners. He finished 11th in the average out of 30 teams with Mateo Martinez of Midland in 2027.4 and 14th with Brody Mathiews of Woodson at 3012.8.

Both Peterson and LeMay made runs as header and heeler with different partners. LeMay headed with Peterson heeling, while Peterson worked as the header with Cooper.

In the #9.5 Division, LeMay headed for Mathiews and heeled for Martinez.

“I like doing both,” LeMay said. “It gives me more chances, and I get to rope a lot more.”

The local pair covered thousands of miles qualifying for the World Finals, competing in events in locations such as Ozona, Decatur, Andrews, Levelland, and Stephenville.

Peterson and LeMay also compete as a team in Region 3 of the Texas High School Rodeo Association. The spring season starts in January with one rodeo a month through June.