Students want to start rodeo club

WORLAND – The Washakie County School District No. 1 heard from a group of students interested in creating a high school rodeo club sport to receive excused absences for more competition opportunities.

Worland High School student Bailey Gibbons addressed the board and proposed starting a rodeo club sport to get absences excused. Gibbons said an established rodeo club sport would be recognized by Wyoming High School Rodeo Association in affiliation with National High School Rodeo Association, and getting absences to compete more would help students to get recognized and take advantage of scholarships opportunities.

Gibbons said the school district would not have to worry about insurance because insurance is provided by Wyoming High School Rodeo Association.

Superintendent David Nicholas said, “I talked to several school districts in the state … and this conversation has gone on for awhile.”

Nicholas said other districts recognize it as an excused absences and the sponsor will turn in the Wyoming Rodeo Association approved actives. “They will excuse those (absences) and students will receive the same courtesy as an approved as approved Wyoming High School Association Event.”

School Chair Don Bryant voiced concerns about eligibility policy with grades and the superintendent said the high school rodeo association has their own eligibility policy for principals to sign off on before students can compete.

Bryant said, “We can approve them to do it, but can’t approve them as club because it is not recognized by the Wyoming High School Activities.”

While the board seemed supportive of the students’ ambitions, no official action was taken on this matter at Monday night’s meeting.

Other business included:

—The approval of the high school assistant cross country sport. The board approved Amy Lamb after the resignation of the previous coach because of a work conflict.

Athletic Director Mark Mortimer said, “We’re really happy Amy (Lamb) came forward. It was a quick trip, but she’ll be great.”

– Bryant also proposed putting together a budget committee to look at the next fiscal year’s budget with all parties effected participating for “a total picture.”

He also said he think they are going to see a larger fall in the budget after the next legislative session in the spring.

The superintendent asked the board for more time to hear from certified, classified, the board and some administrations to help smooth out the road.

“We’re not going to be the only district in the state to do this. When we were at this fall round up … it’s something that needs to be a little bit more proactive,” Bryant said.