Beyond the Score: Local junior high rodeo athletes are headed to Iowa for the national championships

The National Junior High Rodeo Finals are set for this weekend, and several Central Oregon athletes will be among the competitors.

Eight junior high rodeo stars from the region are making the 1,700-mile journey to Iowa, where they’ll compete for $80,000 in prizes, $200,000 in scholarships, and a shot at the coveted title of World Champion.

The event draws nearly 1,200 contestants from four different countries, showcasing the top young talent in the sport.

And Central Oregon’s young athletes are ready to ride.