Local rodeo athletes Laramie Collins of Weed and Daniel Ferreira of Ft. Jones won championships at the California High School State Rodeo Finals on June 20 in Bishop.
Laramie won the Bull Riding competition and placed fourth in Saddle Bronc.
Daniel placed first in Steer Wrestling.
Both cowboys qualified for the National High School Finals Rodeo in July.
Laramie made it to the state competition the last four years, but this is his first time finishing in the top four in any event. The recent graduate of American Christian Academy said he was more focused and serious this year. “I just wanted to go to do good in my events,” he said. He had his highest point totals, 77 and 78, riding his first two bulls.
This is Daniel’s third year to qualify for nationals at the state meet. As a freshman he placed third in steer wrestling, and he placed first in calf roping and third in team roping his sophomore year.
“I really like steer wrestling, but calf roping is my best event,” Daniel said.
Rodeo in his blood
With a full-ride scholarship in hand to Sulross State University in Alpine, Texas, Laramie’s future plans include competing in rodeo at the college level. He said he is interested in studying mechanics and culinary arts.
Part of a rodeo family, Laramie said his grandfathers and uncle competed in rodeos. “Most rodeo families are generational,” said his mother, Laura Collins.
“I wanted to ride bulls since I was little,” Laramie said. He won his first buckle riding calves at the age of seven.
His younger sister, 16 year old Molly Jo, said she’s always been content just working on the ranch with her daddy, but likes roping and cutting. She started cutting last year and competed at the state finals this year, finishing seventh.
Both of the Collins kids aspire to go pro and receive sponsorships.
“This is what we want to do for our life. This is our goal,” said Laramie.
Daniel shares the Collins’ dream. He plans to focus on becoming a professional after he graduates from high school next year. “I really love rodeo’n.”
Laramie and Daniel compete next at the National Finals in Farmington, New Mexico from July 19th to 25th. The finals are scheduled to air on RFD-TV. For more information check www.nhsra.com or the CHSRA website.
Weed, Calif. —
