Schofield earns trip to Las Vegas
Wed, 12/16/2015 - 10:06am
admin
By:
Nancy Haigh
Local high school sophomore and saddle bronc rider, Dylan Schofield, got the chance to do what few other high schoolers have gotten to do, a trip to Las Vegas to ride broncs.
The event was Thursday, Dec. 3, at the South Point Arena.
Schofield won second place in saddle bronc at the National High School Finals Rodeo last summer. Pretty good for a seasoned rider, even better for someone who just finished his freshman year of high school. That status is still paying off as it gave him a chance to participate in the National High School Rodeo Association Showcase. The showcase is held during the Pro Rodeo Cowboys Association Permit Holder of the Year Challenge, which is in conjunction with Benny Binion’s Bucking Horse and Bull Sale. Binion’s event is coordinated by Nate Morrison, Potato Creek, S.D.
Schofield explained that the top two winners from the NHSFR in saddle bronc, bareback and bull riding particpate in the event. This year though, both bareback riders graduated so were ineligible to particpate. To be eligible the riders have to be current NHSRA members, be in good academic standing and not be a PRCA card holder.
Along with Schofield were fellow saddle bronc rider, Ryder Wright, Milford, Utah, and bull riders Cameron Benbough, Elko, Nev., and Robert (Cord) Hendrix, Fallon. Nev.
Schofield noted he received a 72 on his ride, while Wright brought in a 77. There were no prizes given for their rides, but all high school riders received a $500 PRCA voucher that can be redeemed when they turn 18 years old. It can go toward expenses to obtain a PRCA card, entry fees, or any other PRCA financial obligation.
Schofield stated he believes he rode the best he could on the horse he drew. He said he has realized that he needs to calm down and stay focused before and during a ride. It was a good experience for him, giving him a taste of what the future could possibly hold.
A couple fellow South Dakota boys, Shane O’Connell, Rapid City, and Teal Schmidt, Sturgis, were there as well. O’Connell, he said, was in the PRCA Permit Challenge of the Year in bareback. Schmidt meanwhile rode a re-ride horse that had to be bucked out for the sale.
Team Schofield was formed to help Schofield with financial expenses to make the trip to Las Vegas. He said it was pretty cool to have that many supporters. His parents, Jake and Anita Schofield, brother Alec drove to Las Vegas. Taking the airplane were his grandparents, C.K. and Pam Dale, aunt and uncle Jennie and David Shumaker and his cousin, Allie.
Other family members and friends watched him via television. It was also reported that some of the teachers at Philip High School let the students watch as well.
Schofield has attended the Rodeo Bible Camp in Kadoka and the Korkow Rodeo School the past two years. Through these schools he has learned how to better his skills. He won three of the four schools, so he just might be getting the hang of saddle bronc riding.
Schofield said that all he wanted to do was make Philip proud, he has done that. No matter what the future holds, he is still the 2015 NHSFR reserve champion saddle bronc rider.