Emery rodeo shines at 5th and Under state finals

By Kristi Gilbert

The Utah 5th and Under Rodeo Association held its 2018 State Finals Rodeo in St. George on March 23 and 24. Emery’s 5th and Under club put on a good show and had nine club members place in the top 10 in the state. Emery finished the weekend with two state champions! Shaynee Fox, the fifth grade daughter of Kyle and Jackie Fox, is the 2018 Girl’s Goat Tying Champion. Kamz Rich, the third grade son of Chuck and Lexi Rich, is the 2018 Boys Steer Riding Champion. Placing second in the Steer Riding was Dalton Allred, the fourth grade son of Cody and Melissa Allred. Orrin McElprang, the fourth grade son of Pete and Tiana McElprang came in fourth place in the Steer Riding. These young rough stock riders have been at the top all season. All three will be back next year and tough to beat.
Stace Gilbert, the fifth grade son of Jesse and Kristi Gilbert, placed fourth in the Boy’s Breakaway Roping, sixth in the Team Roping, and eighth in the Boy’s Goat Tying. Trent Gilbert, the third grade son of Jesse and Kristi Gilbert placed seventh in the Team Roping. Ryleigh Allred, the fifth grade daughter of Hank and Kadie Allred, placed second in Girl’s Breakaway Roping, second in Girl’s Barrel Racing, fifth in Girl’s Pole Bending and third in the Girl’s All Around. Maddison Nielson, the fourth grade daughter of Zane and Kadie Nielson, placed second in Girl’s Goat Tying, third in Girl’s Breakaway Roping and seventh in Girl’s Barrel Racing. Tadd Nielson, the second grade son of Zane and Kadie Nielson, placed seventh in Boy’s Pole Bending and tenth in Boy’s Barrel Racing.
These tough cowboys and cowgirls have been competing with the best cowboys and cowgirls all across the state. There are ten events in the 5th and Under Rodeo. Emery had a contestant in the top 10 in every event. That is a great accomplishment for a small club. Shaynee, Stace and Ryleigh will now move up to the Jr. High division while Trent, Maddi and Tadd, along with our rough stock riders will be back next year to compete in the 5th and Under Association. We are so proud of these kids and their accomplishments. Hard work has paid off for all of these young contestants. Rodeo is a great sport to teach sportsmanship, responsibility and build friendships throughout the state.