For More Information:
Mike Hausmann
Media Coordinator
National High School Rodeo Association
1-800-466-4772
mike@nhsra.org

December 27, 2004

Alaska Becomes Latest State To Join the National High School Rodeo Association

Denver, CO ­ The sport of rodeo took a leap forward in Alaska with the announcement that the state has become a member of the National High School Rodeo Association (NHSRA).

The NHSRA is one of the fastest growing youth organizations in the nation, with an annual membership of over 10,500 students from 40 states, five Canadian provinces and Australia. The Association sanctions over 1,100 rodeos each year. The NHSRA is governed by a national board of directors, which consists of one member from each state or province. A staff at the national headquarters in Denver, Colorado, handles the day-to-day operations.

Rodeo is a growing sport in Alaska, even though supporters continuously face challenges in weather conditions and in acquiring adequate rodeo stock. “We’re in the upwards part of a cycle, now,” says Mike Rainwater, who will serve as the state’s National Director. “More horse people seem to be moving into the state right now and that certainly seems to be spurring the trend.”

For Mary Rainwater, who served as an organizer of the new group, the new Alaska High School Rodeo Association will offer opportunities that will benefit the long-term development of rodeo athletes. “We’re very interested in educational efforts up here. We want these students to be thinking beyond high school. We see a lot of kids leaving and not going as far as they can. College is so expensive and it would be great if we could get them some scholarships and help them out.” A number of students regularly participate in local equestrian activities and it is hoped that all will join the new organization.

“We’re very pleased to welcome the Alaska High School Rodeo Association to the NHSRA,” says Kent Sturman, NHSRA Executive Director. “Interest in forming an association in Alaska first surfaced in 1979. Organizational efforts went through many different phases and it’s great to see that all of their hard work is now paying off.”

For more information on the Alaska High School Rodeo Association, contact Mike Rainwater, NHSRA National Director, at 907-262-5568. To learn more about the National High School Rodeo Association, call 1-800-466-4772 or visit www.nhsra.org

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