Baili Herring, an eighth-grader at Park Junior High School, recently finished up a successful state junior high rodeo season and is now turning her sights toward the National Junior High Finals Rodeo (NJHFR).
Herring competed in eight regular-season rodeos and the state finals, which was comprised of two go-rounds and a short round. At state, Herring took part in barrel racing, team roping, pole bending, ribbon roping, and her favorite, breakaway, in which she earned the state title after winning averages throughout the year.
Herring will now compete June 19-25 in the NJHFR in Lebanon, Tenn.
Featuring roughly 1,000 contestants from 43 states, five Canadian provinces, and Australia, the NJHFR is the world’s largest junior high rodeo. In addition to competing for more than $75,000 in prizes, contestants will also be vying for more than $100,000 in college scholarships and the chance to be named NJHFR champion.
To earn that title, contestants must finish in the top 20 – based on combined times/scores in the first two rounds – to advance to Saturday evening’s final round. Champions will then be determined based on their three-round combined times/scores.
Saturday’s championship will be televised nationally as part of the “Cinch High School Rodeo Tour” series on RFD-TV. Each performance will be streamed online at NHSRATV.com at 7 p.m. June 19 and 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. each day thereafter.
Along with rodeo competition and the chance to meet new friends from around the world, NJHFR contestants have the opportunity to enjoy shooting sports, volleyball, dances, family-oriented activities, church services sponsored by the Fellowship of Christian Cowboys, and tradeshow shopping, as well as visiting area attractions in Lebanon.
To compete in rodeo takes dedication and determination, and a lot of time in the practice pen, Herring’s family says. Her horse, Grumpy, was family-trained, which enhances her success. Herring is just as dedicated in the classroom, maintaining a 4.07 GPA. She was featured in the May 2016 issue of Rodeo News Magazine. She and her older sisters, Brittany and Leann, have four breakaway state titles between them.
Herring wishes to thank her sponsors.
To track her progress through the NJHFR, visit NHSRA.org.
