Robertson reflects on 2017-18 rodeo season

After qualifying three consecutive years for the National Junior High Finals Rodeo, Whitehall's Garris Robertson knew transitioning to high school would be a tough challenge. After a year of competition, Robertson showed plenty of promise and is already looking forward to his sophomore year.

Robertson said his 2017-18 rodeo season started a little rough, mainly because of not getting to practice much because he was also playing football. When spring hit, Robertson believes he was doing much better and feels he had a good year calf roping.

"My main challenge after going from junior high to high school would be having to work harder and practice more in order to be roping as good as the really good ropers," he said.

Robertson performed well at the state finals last month in Baker, especially in calf roping (47 competitors). He was eighth in the first go round with a 13 second run.

"Then in the second round I won it with a 9.89 which ended up being the fastest run of the weekend and for me personally," he said.

Robertson would make the top 15 made the short round and said he happened to make it at ninth, but had a no time and didn't end up making it to nationals.

With his first year under the belt, Robertson has his sights set on the 2018-19 season.

"I am beyond excited for my next year of rodeo," he said.