Locals head to high school rodeo finals

Two high school students from the area will compete in the Alberta High School Rodeo Association (AHSRA) finals in Ponoka on June 7, the culmination of their efforts this rodeo season.

    From Viking is 17 year old bull rider Clayton Russnak.

    Russnak has been rodeoing for 4 years, starting out as a steer rider two years after attending a Rodeo Camp in Vermilion.

    Despite multiple injuries, including a concussion and broken leg, he says rodeo is the sport he loves and his “cowboy up” mentality will keep him involved in rodeo for years to come. He says, “You meet a lot of great people, it’s an adrenaline rush, and a lot of fun.”

    Innisfree’s Bailey Hlus, 17, will compete in  bull riding as well. Hlus has been rodeoing for 7 years, starting out as a steer rider after attending the same camp as Russnak.

Fore more see the June 4/13 issue of the Viking Weekly Review