Lewis County Herald - Serving Hohenwald, Lewis County Tennessee Since 1898

The Tennessee High School Rodeo Association held their state finals on June 9, 10 and 11 at Tennessee Technological University in Cookeville. Each contestant competed in three rounds of rodeo. Contestants were not only trying to win a state title, but also trying to qualify for the National High School Finals Rodeo in Wyoming.

The top four cowboys or cowgirls in each event got to advance to the national finals. When the dust settled on the last day of the Tennessee Finals Rodeo, Hohenwald's Bentley Anthony won the championship in tie-down calf roping. Bentley also finished in third place in the team roping. The first and third place finishes qualified Bentley for the 75th annual National High School Finals Rodeo in Gillette, Wyoming July 16-22.

Bentley attends Lewis County High School and just finished his junior year with honors. Bentley is the son of Kerri Ellison and grandson of Kenny and Patsy Ellison.

All of the family at Ellison Ranch is extremely proud of Bentley's accomplishments and hard work. If someone asked Bentley for his key to success, he would say, "set your goals - then practice, practice, practice - someone else probably is."

Bentley will be traveling to Wyoming for the national finals which features more than 1700 contestants from 44 states, five Canadian provinces, Australia, Mexico and New Zealand, the NHSFR is the world's largest rodeo. In addition to competing for more than $150,000 in prizes and over $150,000 in added money, NHSFR contestants will also be competing for more than $375,000 in college scholarships and the chance to be named an NHSFR World Champion. To earn this title, contestants must finish in the top 20 - based on their combined times/scores in the first two rounds - to advance to Saturday evening's final round. World champions will then be determined based on their three-round combined times/scores.

Again, this year, the Saturday championship performance will be televised nationally as part of the Cinch High School Rodeo Tour telecast series on RFD-TV. Live broadcasts of each NHSFR performance will air online at http://www.thecowboychannel.com. Performance times begin at 7:00 p.m. on July 16 and competition continues daily at 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. through July 22. Make sure to catch the action!

Along with great rodeo competition and the chance to meet new friends from around the world, NHSFR contestants have the opportunity to enjoy volleyball, contestant dances, family-oriented activities, church services sponsored by Golden Spur Ministries, and shopping at the NHSFR trade show.

To follow your local favorites at the NHSFR, visit NHSRA.com daily for complete results. For ticket information, visit https://www.cam-plex.com/p/nhsfr/ticketing.