Sarah Kugler blows away any preconceived stereotypes that anyone may have about those involved in rodeo.
While the Carson High freshman wouldn't mind a professional rodeo career as a barrel racer, one of her other possible choices for a career shows how diverse students involved in rodeo can be.
She also has aspirations of possibly being an opera singer. "It came as a surprise to most people," Kugler said.
There are about 20 students in the Carson Rodeo Club and they all have many of the same interests than any other student would have.
"They do a lot of school sports," said Kugler about those in the club. "They enjoy what every day kids do."
The club's students will be featured in competition this weekend when they host their annual rodeo, which will be held Saturday and Sunday at Fuji Park. Competition begins at 8 a.m. each day.
There will be 146 of the best high school cowboys and cowgirls from across the state competing in 11 events. Nevada has some of the nation's best in high school rodeo, which has been demonstrated at the National High School Rodeo Finals.
For the past four years, Nevada has had either the top all-around cowboy or cowgirl at the national event. One of those top all-around finishers was 2000 Douglas High graduate Bryce Barnes, who competed for the Carson club.
Barnes is now ranked No. 1 in the nation in the college ranks in team roping at UNLV.
The Carson club has had several students score consistently in the top 10 this year at past events in the state. The top four students in each event at the State Finals in June in Winnemucca will qualify for the National Finals.
Among the club's top rodeo performers is Galena High senior Jordan Allyn, who qualified for the National Finals last year in calf roping.
Allyn went into last year's state finals ranked seventh, but finished third to qualify for the National Finals. Allyn admitted he didn't do as well as he liked at last year's National Finals, but is determined to return.
"I was kind of glad I was a junior last year and I'll get to go back again this year hopefully," he said.
Allyn looks to be well on his way. He and partner Max Fillipini of Battle Mountain are first in the state right now in team roping and Allyn is ranked in the top five in calf roping.
"I guess it was kind of a mutual thing," said Allyn about how he teamed with Fillipini. "We've thought about it ever since we've known each other.
"I just kind of always talked to him at the rodeos. We decided to hook up."
Galena's Aaron Heberger is also having a strong season in team and calf roping for the Carson club.
"I was around horses when I was younger and I thought it would be fun to do something else besides trail ride," said Heberger about how he got involved in rodeo.
Kugler has also had a strong year in cutting, pole bending and barrel racing where she has finished as fast as 17.46 seconds.
Douglas High graduate Austin Beemer is looking for a win this weekend in bull riding where competitors ride bulls as large as 1,300 to 1,900 pounds.
"I'm planning to go out there this weekend and get a buckle," said Beemer about winning. "I'm just going to ride whatever they give me and give it 110 percent."
General admission for the rodeo is $3, $1.50 for senior citizens and children under 12 and free for children under 6.
Charles Whisnand is the Nevada Appeal Sports Editor.
