Kyle VanDerLeest of Morrison, IL, competed at the Illinois High School Finals in Altamont, IL, from Thursday, June 13, through Saturday, June 15, 2013. He won the weekend All-Around Cowboy saddle.
He competed in Cutting, Team Roping, and Tie-Down Calf Roping.
Kyle finished the year-end in 1st place in Cutting, 3rd place in Team Roping, and 5th place in Calf Roping.
The top four in each event earn a place on the Illinois Team, to compete at the National High School Finals Rodeo, which was held in Rock Springs, WY.
On his way to Rock Springs, Kyle also competed in Team Roping and Calf Roping at the International Finals Youth Rodeo in Shawnee, OK.
Kyle is the son of Larry and Sandi VanDerLeest and is a Junior at Morrison High School. He is an honor roll student and member of Key Club. He also plays basketball.
Visit the Illinois High School Rodeo Association site www.ihsra.org.
VanDerLeest is shown with his Team Roping partner Skyler Maguire, right, receiving their award at the Illinois High School Finals.
