High school students aim for a national title

Champion high school shooters took aim for a national title in Green River this week as part of the National High School Finals Rodeo's events.

While much of the excitement is focused in Rock Springs, Green River is host to the two shooting competitions tied to the week of rodeo action. In total, 247 high school students from throughout the nation will compete in rifle and trap shooting contests by the end of the week.

The path to Green River differs for some of the competitors. Some states require competitors to earn points throughout their rodeo season to compete at a state shooting competition, where the top four are sent onward. Other states, such as Texas, are divided into regions where the top competitors from each region are pitted against each other at state competition, with the top four moving on.

For Katy Davis from Glenrose, Texas, this is her second time competing in Green River.

"I enjoy shooting here, it's a good place to shoot at," Davis said.

Davis attempted to earn spots in the main rodeo competitions, but was only able to secure a spot in the shooting competition.

Davis said conditions are more dry in Green River than in Texas, saying she dealt with her scope fogging during the state competition, but now contends with keeping dirt from blowing into her rifle. Davis also said Green River provides a challenge in regards to the wind affecting her aim. Last year, during the competition, she shot while contending with a 30 mph crosswind. While her practices Monday allowed her to shoot under much calmer conditions, Davis was ready to compensate for severe gusts of wind if she needed to.

After her practice, Davis said she planned to drink more water and rest at her hotel room. She said heat can cause a person to shake, ruining their aim.

Morgan Harrington, a shooter from Casa, Ark., also qualified for the pole bending event during the rodeo in Rock Springs. She said she competes in shooting for her father, and also shot in Green River last year.

Much of Harrington's time revolves around caring for her mare Wendy. Wendy, more accustomed to the humid climate in Arkansas, doesn't like breathing the drier air in Wyoming. Harrington said she had to pour water over Wendy prior to their first run Monday and has had to massage her horse and keep the mare's airway open to help her perform better during their pole bending runs. After her practice, Harrington said she planned to attend the nightly dance in Rock Springs and stay up late before her shooting competition the next day.

While Davis and Harrington dealt with long drives to Green River, one shooter had to cross the Pacific Ocean to attend the competition. Cassidy Serion traveled to Green River from Hawaii. Serion typically competes in traditional rodeo events, but an ATV accident ended her season prematurely with a broken collar bone. Not wanting to miss a chance to attend the National Finals High School Rodeo, she qualified for the national shooting competition June 10.

Green River Police Chief Chris Steffen, one of the many volunteers helping with the event, said he enjoys helping with the competition.

"They're a good group of kids every year," Steffen said. "It's fun to recognize the kids that come back."