Roady wins rodeo state championship

Working closer and closer to a state championship each season, Worland's Sydnee Roady got that sought-after state championship from the Wyoming High School State Rodeo Finals.

Competing at the State Finals in Rock Springs on June 3-9, Roady won the reined cow horse event, scoring 435 points in the two rounds, along with finishing second in the short-go.

"It's taken me four years to do, but it's pleasing to have it done my senior year," said Roady.

Battling against a highly competitive field, first place to fourth place was decided by 5.5 points, Roady worked her hardest to stay focused. Her mind would be locked in on the round at hand. Then, when that was over, she'd be trained on the next round, making sure never to count points.

"When I went into state, I was only three points ahead of the other three. We were all up there and put up high scores each round. I was third in the first round since they tied for first in the first round. I won the second round and placed second in the short go.

"I really didn't know I won until they announced it at the main rodeo that night. It was pretty fun. I for sure wasn't counting points because I knew I'd get in my head about it," said Roady. "All season long, I try not to count points because I tend to get in my head and tend to lose focus. I stay away from it, go out there, do what I can, and hope for the best."

Working toward that state championship took plenty of hard work for Roady. She put in work with her horse every day. She's even put together a routine before each round that keeps her focus at its peak.

"Practicing with your horse every day and making sure he's tuned up and ready to roll. If he's not tunned in with you, you're going to have a hard time going through each maneuver.

"I like to stay focused. My siblings and parents think I'm crazy because I don't talk to anyone before I run. That'll make me think of something else, and it stays with me through my run, and I forget something. I get my horse warmed up and hang out by myself before I go show," said Roady.

With the state championship in the bag, next up for Roady is the National High School Finals Rodeo in Rock Springs on July 14-20. The top four from each event make Nationals, and this is the fourth year Roady has made the rodeo.

Preparing for Nationals, Roady will keep her normal practice routine in the weeks leading up to her final high school rodeo.

"I just keep doing what I'm doing. I'm just fine-tuning things on my horse, he doesn't need a lot of hard practices. I'll keep him practiced enough to stay focused and ready to roll for nationals," said Roady.