Cole Churchill is Canada’s top amateur cowboy once again.
For the second straight summer, Churchill captured the Canadian High School Rodeo Finals high-point total in Nanton, Alta. with a 481.
“There isn’t one event that stands out to me. Just being able to attend these rodeos was pretty cool in my last year of high school,” said Churchill. “It’s been fun.”
Churchill, a Pleasant Valley grad, won the saddle bronc riding with 138 points. He finished second in cutting with a three-round total of 212 points and 21st in steer wrestling during his title defence.
“He’s a pretty laid back kid, but you could tell he was pretty excited about this one,” said Cole’s father, Jason Churchill. “It’s a pretty exciting way to end his high school career.”
Churchill was down in Rock Springs, Wyo. in late July for the National High School Finals Rodeo where he finished second in the saddle bronc. He brought back $1,500 in scholarships and a big shinny belt buckle for being he only cowboy to ride all four horses.
The saddle bronc riding has been the most improved aspect to his rodeo. He doesn’t have the horses to practise with on his ranch, so he wings it once he steps into the arena.
“I got a new saddle last spring and it’s a lot more comfortable. I also have more experience riding,” said Cole Churchill.
His father made the trips to Wyoming and Nanton, and was surprised by how well his son performed.
“We were pretty shocked with how well he did in the saddle bronc. He got good horses to ride and ended up finishing second best in the world,” said Jason Churchill.
Cole heads down to Western Oklahoma State College Sunday with a few of his horses on a full-ride scholarship. Churchill wants to be an electrical engineer.
