By Dale Barnett
Elmore/Autauga News
Top Photo: From L-R James Glenn, Reed Long, Colt Christie
The Alabama High School Rodeo Association, along with support from the Elmore County Economic Authority and other sponsors, held a State Rodeo Competition in Wetumpka this past weekend, March 11-13, at the Brush Poppers Cowboy Church at 46 Sanford Lane. See this video recognizing all sponsors: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=284473517156329
Association official Michael Maddox estimated there were 120 participants from across the state and part of Florida. Events started on Friday night and carried through Saturday and Sunday. The fans and patrons that braved the cold air and wind on Saturday and Sunday seldom sat in the stands as they gathered around the large burn barrels around the arena.
Five of the potential future rodeo stars participating were from Elmore County. Kent Jordan, 17, from Tallassee, participates in steer wrestling; Reed Long, 16, from Wetumpka, participates in bareback riding; Brody Maddox, 17, from Weoka, participates in steer wrestling; Colt Christie, 16, from Wetumpka, participates in Bull riding; and James Glenn, 16, from Wallsboro, participates in bareback riding.
These young men enjoy the thrill of participating in each of their events and have a passion for the rodeo, even knowing the dangers with each ride. James Glenn was not riding this weekend due to an injury to his leg during a ride back in December that required surgery. Even though he is still rehabbing, he attended to assist the operations and support his rodeo peers. Reed Long, has also experienced a severe injury early in his rodeo career, that started three years ago according to his dad and Mom Long, as the boys affectionally called her. His Dad said even with the surgery and rehab; Reed came back strong in first competition in Oklahoma.
Colt Christie was dealing with a current injury to his shoulder from an event a few weeks back. Brody Maddox had even suffered a sever injury to his shoulder that also required surgery and extensive rehab but never had any doubts about getting back into competition according to his Dad, Michael Maddox.
Not only are the participants competing because of their passion for the sport, they are also competing for points in each event under the JRNFR (Junior National Finals Rodeo) system with hopes to qualify for the National finals in Las Vegas each year.
Qualifying for the Nationals makes it possible for the participants to potentially turn professional when they graduate high school. Also, these young rodeo stars are also competing for a chance to be offered a college scholarship.
Brody Maddox has already accepted a scholarship to Pearl River Community College in Mississippi when he graduates this year. Colt Christie says he has talked to Oklahoma State University and West Alabama about a possible offer.
The other young men know they have a chance as well for a scholarship offer if all goes well. Currently the University of West Alabama is the only college in Alabama with a rodeo program, but Auburn University has reportedly been working to establish a program. There are colleges and universities in Mississippi and Tennessee with rodeo programs as well and many of the schools west of the Mississippi River have rodeo programs.
The chance to compete professionally is a driving force with all these young men from Elmore County and each one of them has achieved a great deal of success in their chosen field of competition. The success has required these young men to travel to various rodeo events across the country and mainly out west, trying to earn the points on each ride.
For several of these participants, such as Brody and Kent, not only did they compete here in Wetumpka but also went to Montgomery to ride in the Little Britches rodeo, seeking those points. The Little Britches Rodeo was being put on by the Southeastern Livestock Exposition in conjunction with the PRCA professional rodeo in Montgomery starting on March 18.
Each one of these young men have won and scored well at different rodeo events so they all know the joys of success in the sport but they have also gone home without completing the events. But each ride and each attempt is a new adventure and a chance for the points.
These young men will have two more State High School events this year before the State Finals in June in Andalusia, Alabama. Plus, there are all the other various rodeos across the south and the west they will enter. The toughest lessons learned occur when these participates travel to various events and don’t have a good ride.
They know it can happen with any ride and they all said they just jump in and hope for the best. One thing is for certain, these young men and their families are all a tight group supporting each other like family.
Michael Maddox, a director and VP with the Alabama State High School Association, stated the goals of the Rodeo Association are to teach Discipline, Patience, Humility and Humanity to all the participants. Based on all the young people I encountered this weekend; I believe they have been successful. Best of luck to all these future Elmore County Rodeo stars.
Brodie Maddox finished fourth in steer wrestling on Friday and had a 29 second time on Sunday but was first in bareback from Friday.
Reed Long was in second on Friday but elected to ride on Sunday and his rigging came loose during his ride and did not make his time.
Colt Christie was still dealing with an injury to his right shoulder and tried to ride a bull Saturday but did not make his time. He elected not to ride Sunday due to his injury.
Kent Jordan missed both his attempts at steer wrestling on Saturday and Sunday.
James Glenn was there to support them and will keep rehabbing until he can get back in the arena.
SEE MORE PHOTOS BELOW.
