Bronaugh's Stratford qualifies for American Royal Youth Rodeo

Tuesday, September 20, 2016
J.R. Stratford previously competed in the Missouri Junior Pro Bull rides in Marionville, Hepler, and Aurora. (Submitted photo)

J.R. Stratford, 14, of Bronaugh, recently qualified for the 2016 American Royal Invitational Youth Rodeo.

According to an Americanroyal.com press release dated Sept. 14, "The American Royal Invitational Youth Rodeo kicks off Sept. 20 and continues through Sept. 23 in Hale Arena at the American Royal Complex (Kansas City, Mo).

Bronaugh's J.R. Stratford hones bull riding skills. (Submitted photo)

"J.R. Stratford, an eighth-grader at Bronaugh (R-7), has qualified to compete in junior bull riding. This four-day event features top student-athletes competing in events such as bull riding, barrel racing, and the crowd favorite, mutton busting. Since 2007, the American Royal has awarded $73,000 in scholarships at the Invitational Youth Rodeo, along with additional prize money and awards.

Stratford discussed his achievement with America Royal.

"I am really honored to compete at the American Royal, it is where many champions have gone and won before," he said.

The press release continued, "The event will be divided into Junior and Senior Divisions. The Senior Division is made up of athletes ages 14-18 who will compete Sept. 20-21 at noon both days. Senior Division events include bareback riding, bull riding, barrel racing, breakaway roping, steer wrestling, and much more.

"The Junior Division, composed of athletes ages 13-and-under, will compete on the final two days of the Invitational Youth Rodeo on Sept. 22 and Sept. 23 at noon both days. These energetic youngsters will compete in events such as mutton busting, barrel racing, junior bareback riding, breakaway roping, and goat tying."

J.R. Stratford during a recent event. (Submitted photo)

In addition to his recent success, Stratford was reserve champion of the Kansas Junior Bull Riding Association in his age division in 2015, and also for the "Best in the South" event. Stratford competed in the Youth Bull Riding World Finals last month in Abilene, Texas.

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