Having completed the 2021-22 Colorado Junior High Rodeo Association season with 482.5 points in the CJHRA All-Around Cowgirl chase, one could assume Durango-area entrant Shylene Drumm was feeling just peachy.
But more likely Peach-y, knowing she’d be traveling to The Peach State to compete in multiple events at the 2022 National Junior High Finals Rodeo. Known as the world’s largest junior-high rodeo, this summer’s showcase is scheduled to run June 19-25 at the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter in Perry, Georgia, southwest of larger neighbor Warner Robins.
Finishing No. 1 in the association’s breakaway roping (with 110 year-end points) and goat tying (135) event standings, plus 13th in both barrel racing (37.5) and rifle shooting (14), and tied for 17th in ribbon roping (69), Drumm will be leading a solid contingent of Southwest Colorado rodeoers to the 17th NJHFR.
Joining her will be CJHRA pole bending reserve champion Teagan McInnes of Bayfield, as well as bull riding champ (and bareback steer riding reserve champ) Tucker Jacobson – who finished 13th in A-A Cowboy points – of Pagosa Springs.
McInnes finished 13 points behind Roan Spencer of Hotchkiss in year-end poles points, 120 to 107, while Jacobson easily outdistanced bull-riding runner-up Jarrett Nevius of Hartsel, 106.5 to 49.5. In bareback-steer Jacobson totaled 104 points, but trailed W.J. Ellerman (139.5) of Brighton.
Should any of Colorado’s top four barrel racers not be able to compete, McInnes – who finished fifth in the event’s year-end points with 89 – could join Drumm and Jacobson as dual-qualifiers.
So could Drumm and Beau Belvin in team roping; the duo ended up fifth in the CJHRA standings with 56 points apiece.
Kodi Mae Rima, Ignacio (6th, rifle shooting, 68 points); Kelby Oliver, Cortez (9th place, boys’ breakaway, 72.5 points, and 19th, A-A Cowboy, 130.5); Beau Belvin, Durango (T-11th, boys’ goat tying, 42); Daxtin Kunch, Durango (10th, rifle shooting, 40, and 13th, chute dogging, 20); Madison DeClark, Pagosa Springs (11th, barrel racing, 52).
