Kristen Lawrence, a senior at Timber Lake High School, has earned a position on the South Dakota High School rodeo team and will be traveling to Farmington, NM to compete in barrel racing at the 60th Annual National High School Finals Rodeo July 20-26.

Kristen competed in four events at the state finals — breakaway roping, team roping, pole bending and barrel racing. In barrel racing, she finished second in the average receiving a buckle and the #2 position on the National team. She finished first in the average in pole bending where she received the State Champion Saddle and Buckle. In breakaway roping, she won the second round and had the fastest breakaway time of the finals.

Featuring over 1,500 contestants from 41 states, 5 Canadian provinces, and Australia, the National High School Finals is the world’s largest rodeo. In addition to competing for over $200,000 in prizes, NHSFR contestants will also be vying for more than $325,000 in college scholarships and the chance to be named the National High School Rodeo National Champion. To earn this title, contestants must finish in the top 20 after two go-rounds of intense competition before advancing to Saturday night’s final championship performance.

Check www.nhsra.com for schedule and times when the 2008 NHSFR telecast will air on TV; catch all of the NHSFR action live via Horsecity.com on their audio web cast; or visit the NHSRA’s web site at www.nhsra.org.