High school rodeo championships in Wyoming to include a big bunch from the Peace

Jul 12, 2025 | 10:00 AM

The Peace Country will be well represented at the National High School Finals Rodeo in Rock Springs, Wyoming.

There are nine competitors from here taking part, including bareback rider Pacen Hemingson.

“There are about 1500 contestants in all rodeo events that we all qualified (for) through our province or state finals to compete for a world championship.”

We asked Hemingson what his hopes were for the event.

I’m hoping to go down there and try my best, do my best, and see if I can’t come home with a world championship.”

The rest of the Peace contingent includes Kennedy Smith in goat tying, Lyle Rombough in steer wrestling, Mason Hamilton in tie-down roping, Keston Humbke and Virgil Paley in team roping, Lola Hogg in barrel racing, and Brettley Gordon in the reined cow horse event.

Brooke Belanger will compete in breakaway roping and cutting.

The rodeo will run from July 13 to 19.

by Curtis Galbraith