Assistant Editor Jerry Lindsey wrote this feature.
On Saturday, September 4, and Sunday, September 5, 2021, the Whiteside County Fairgrounds will host the Illinois High School and Junior High School Rodeo Association competition. This youthful addition of Western heritage first appeared in Morrison, IL, in 2019. The action drew very high marks from the attendees.
The introduction appearing online describes the heart of the organizations….”We’re a family-friendly organization! We travel, work, and compete in the true nature of sportsmanship. You’ll be pleasantly surprised watching competitors and their families help and cheer for each other. Come join the fun, and celebrate an American tradition!
You will see these youthful competitors, as young as the fourth grade, giving their all against their friends of the Associations in bareback riding, barrel racing, breakaway roping, bull riding, tie down roping, cutting horses, goat tying, pole bending, steer wrestling, saddle bronc riding, and team roping. The Junior High division accepts entrants in the fourth through eighth grade, and the High School division features ninth through 12th graders. All entrants are very skilled in their specialty. Many have qualified to compete in the National Rodeo finals later this year in Colorado. ”
Among the entrants are Shelby and Addie Wiersema of Erie, IL, daughters of Samantha and Kasey Wiersema, formerly of Morrison. Addie is currently serving as the Secretary of the High School Association. When asked what spectators can expect she responded, “They will see hard-working individuals, doing what they love and doing the best they can at it!”
Kendell Kindred, IHSRA Vice President and Senior at Olympia High School, supported Addie’s comments. He added, “Everyone is like family! They help you, and you try to help them. They build a bond that is pretty much unbreakable.”
President Lance Bogner said, “Students learn that hard work pays off!” This trio of the Association’s officers are examples that today’s youth can model and become assured of a successful future.
The September 4 and 5 rodeos will recognize a local person who contributed greatly over the years. This event is listed as the Herm VanDerLeest Memorial Rodeo, in honor of VanDerLeest and his efforts in supporting the Associations prior to his passing.
The Saturday edition will offer attendees an opportunity to participate in 50/50 cash rewards and a silent auction. Donations will be collected to support Morrison’s “White Oaks Therapeutic Equestrian Center” (WHOA) and assist in their continuing efforts, to serve area special needs students with instructions involving equestrian interaction.
Sunday’s competition will begin at 9:30 a.m., following a Sunday Church Service at 7:30. Headed by Emmanuel Reformed Church’s Luke Schouten, worship will be held in the grandstands.
Mark Saturday, September 4, and Sunday, September 5, on your calendar. Plan to visit the Whiteside County Fairgrounds. You will be entertained by the youth leadership of tomorrow.
Left-to-right are Shelby Wiersema, Kendell Kindred, Lance Bogner, and Addie Wiersema.
