POMEROY–High School freshman Lane Shawley, in his first year of saddle bronc competitions, went to Ogden, Ut., to qualify for competition in the Junior World Finals (formerly known as the Junior National Finals Rodeo) taking place on December 5 and December 7, 2019. If he makes it to the "short go," he will stay to compete again on December 9. The competitions will be held at the Las Vegas Convention Center South Halls.

Shawley has been competing in rodeos since he was about four years old, beginning with mutton bustin', and he has been riding horses since he could sit on one. Other rodeo events he has participated in include chute dogging, steer riding, calf tying and break-away roping. This has been his first year with saddle bronc riding, and he has done extremely well with the event.

He attended two clinics and three rodeo bible camps, as well as the Tom Reeves (world champ) Clinic this past summer, while also fitting in saddle bronc rodeo competitions in southern Idaho and southern Oregon. Shawley won five buckles at this summer's competitions.

At the Las Vegas Junior World Finals, the top six riders in each age bracket will earn cash prizes. Shawley will be competing in the seniors' age bracket. There will also be opportunities for him to participate in an autograph session and possibly do some public speaking at the event.

-Submitted by Tracie Shawley

Rodeo is in his blood, with a history of riding and competing on both sides of his family, says Lane's mom Tracie Shawley. Lane's goal is to get his "pro card" when he turns 19 so he can continue to compete in professional rodeos, and possibly take advantage of college scholarship opportunities. Tracie is just glad that he has become part of the close-knit community of rodeo participants that include a "lot of really good kids."