Lometa Rodeo is popular community event

PHOTOS BY CHERI JAY-WIENECKE Zac Harris of Zephyr attempts to stay on the bull. He finished first in the contest.

After weeks of preparation and three action-packed nights, the 55th Annual Lometa FFA Junior Rodeo has earned its spot in the history books. The event proved itself a well-run and entertaining venue for area youth and adults alike, according to organizers.

"The rodeo went well, and we had a good turnout," said Lometa ag science instructor Brad Barnett. "It was a nice way to spend a weekend in Lometa, Texas.

"Our supporters were out in full force to back our local FFA program, and to them we owe a tremendous thank you," he added.

Drawing rodeo entrants from across the Central Texas area, competition was tough among the youth. Earning the senior allaround buckles were Steve Hayes of Comanche as All-Around Cowboy and Whitney Key of San Saba as All-Around Cowgirl.

In the junior division, Kegan Greenhaw of Llano was named All-Around Cowboy. Monica Bridges of Lometa went home with an All-Around Cowgirl buckle.

Wyatt Porter of Goldthwaite was a participant in the pole bending competition in the pee wee division.

Taking the all-around titles in the pee-wee division were Colter Hutchings of Burnet as All-Around Cowboy and Mikayla Castro of San Saba as All-Around Cowgirl.

Event results follow.
Pee-Wee Division
Barrels -- Joe Gilligan, Comanche
Poles -- Colter Hutchings, Burnet
Junior Division
Barrels -- Monica Bridges, Lometa
Poles -- Monica Bridges, Lometa
Goat Tying -- Tabitha Miller,

Goldthwaite
Steer Riding -- Willie Kemp,
Lometa
Senior Division
Bull Riding -- Zac Harris, Zephyr

Barrels -- Brittany Ellis, Troy
Poles -- Mary Morrison, Lometa
Goat Tying -- Whitney Key, San
Saba
Chute Dogging -- Rody Hartley,

Gatesville
Tiedown Roping -- Colt Hill,
Comanche
Ribbon Roping -- Steve Hayes,
Comanche

Lometa's Mary Morrison took first in pole bending in the senior division. Sam Pauly of Lometa tried his hand at chute dogging. Willie Kemp earned the overall top spot in calf riding. Monica Bridges, left, and Morgan Bridges led the grand entry to the rodeo during playing of the national anthem to open the Lometa Rodeo. Lucas Kemp gives it his all while trying to climb aboard this bull during rodeo events in Lometa.