Two young cowboys from this area brought home some new belt buckles and bragging rights from the High School Rodeo Championship that took place in Swift Current over the Victoria Day long weekend.
This is 11-year-old Cyson Romanow's Rookie Year in Steer Riding at this level. But, the Grade 6 student says that he has actually been riding steers for quite a while.
“I actually started riding steers 3 years ago. I saw my sister getting involved in rodeo, and I wanted to get involved too. And, when I saw people riding steers, I thought it looked like fun. So, I tried it and it turned out that I really liked it.”
Cyson has also ridden at several rodeos already.
“I've been to the 'Little Spurs' Rodeo in Weyburn. I was at the Stoughton Rodeo, the Ranch Rodeo in Kennedy, and another rodeo in Esterhazy. I was competing in Steer riding at all of these. But, I've also gotten into Saddle Bronc now too.”
Although he was competing as a 'rookie' at the Provincial Championships Cyson had a very successful weekend in Swift Current.
“I won the Provincial Champion for 2-Handed Steer Riding and for Saddle Bronc. And, I won 'Season Leader' in both 2-Handed Steer Riding and Saddle Bronc too. And, I qualified for Saddle Bronc at the Canadian Championship that's going to happen in Nanton, AB at the end of July.”
For 13-year-old Connor Box, getting involved in rodeo also meant carrying on a family tradition.
“My dad was roping, and when I was little I used to watch the videos of him. I thought it looked like something I wanted to do. I started roping about 3-4 years ago. But, I was 10 when I started roping off of a horse.”
Connor, who is in Grade 7, has also already competed in several rodeos.
“I was at the Ranch Rodeo in Kennedy last summer. My dad and I won for Breakaway Roping there. I've been at the rodeo in Esterhazy and at the Little Spurs Rodeo in Weyburn too.”
Connor competed in 4 events at the Provincial Championship: Breakaway Roping, Ribbon Roping, Team Roping and Goat Tying. He did well in all 4 categories.
“I won Season Leader in Breakaway Roping, Second in Season in Team Roping and Fourth in both Ribbon Roping and Goat Tying. I qualified for Nationals (held in the US) in all four categories. But, I'm not going to Nationals. I also qualified for the Canadian Championship in Breakaway Roping, Ribbon Roping and Team Roping. I am planning to be there.”
Both Cyson and Connor plan to continue on with their rodeo careers. When asked what their “ultimate win” would be...both young cowboys point to some very definite goals.
“I would really like to win in Bull Riding at the CFR,” says Cyson.
“I'd like to win at the NFR or the CFR in either Team Roping or Calf Roping,” says Connor.
