(Photo courtesy of Jock Goodman & Hawaii High School Rodeo Association)

MEDIA RELEASE

The Hawaii High School Rodeo Association (HHSRA) will begin its 2010 rodeo season Oct. 2.

HHSRA’s mission is to promote the sport of rodeo and the highest type of conduct and sportsmanship and expose its positive image to the general public; preserve the Western Heritage; offer a privilege of family bonding; offer an opportunity of continuing education; and maintain the highest regard for the livestock.

There are seven district rodeos on Hawaii Island, Maui, Molokai, Oahu and Kauai. Each island has a keiki, junior high, and high school division.

The junior high and high school competitors compete in their district and at the end of the rodeo season have a chance to compete at the state level.

The top four in each event then have a chance to compete nationally.

Keiki events include, dummy roping, goat undecorating, barrel racing, pole bending, keiki calf mugging, mutton bustin and calf riding.

Junior high girls compete in barrel racing, pole bending, goat tying, ribbon roping, breakaway roping and team roping.

Junior high boy events include chute dogging, bull riding, team roping, ribbon roping, calf roping, goat tying and breakaway.

The high school girls compete in barrel racing, pole bending, goat tying, breakaway roping and team roping.

The boys compete in bull riding, steer wrestling, bronc riding, bareback riding, team roping and calf roping.

During the season the competitors earn points for their places in each of their events ranging from 10 points to 1 point.

At the end of the season, the points are added up and the competitor with the most points in each event wins a belt buckles. The all-around cowboy and cowgirl win saddles.

Hawaii Island Rodeos are scheduled for the first Saturday and Sunday of the month.

Keiki (grades K-5) and Jr. High (grades 6-8) Divisions are 8 a.m. Saturdays; High School Division (grades 9-12) are 8 a.m. Sundays. All rodeos take place at the Paniolo Park in Waimea (Parker Ranch rodeo grounds).

Admission is free, but donations are welcome.

Rodeo 1 – Oct. 2 & 3

Rodeo 2 – Nov. 6 & 7

Rodeo 3 – Jan. 8 & 9

Rodeo 4 – Feb. 5 & 6

Rodeo 5 – March 5 & 6

Rodeo 6 – April 1 & 2

Rodeo 7 – May 7 & 8 (District Finals)

For more information and entry blanks call DeeDee at 325-5937 or email paniolomau@aol.com