Heberger close to making nationals

Galena High's Aaron Heberger strengthened his position to qualify for the National High School Rodeo Finals in two events.

Heberger put himself on the verge of clinching national berths in steer wrestling and calf roping with his performances on Saturday at the Nevada State High School Rodeo Championships in Battle Mountain. Heberger led an outstanding effort by the Carson-Douglas Rodeo Club, which qualified several performers for today's finals.

Heberger turned in an excellent effort in steer wrestling, finishing second in Saturday's go-round in 4.65 seconds. He was edged out for first by Sterling Lambert, who finished in 4.62. Douglas High's Keston Denny also qualified for today's finals, finishing eighth in 7.17.

In calf roping, Heberger took seventh in 14.27 seconds. Based on his position in the overall standings, Heberger is in a strong position to qualify for nationals in calf roping and steer wrestling.

The nationals will be held in July in Gillette, Wyo. The top four finishers at state qualify for nationals.

The top 10 overall finishers in state will also qualify for Fallon's Silver State Rodeo also to be held in July and several Carson-Douglas members have a chance to qualify for that event.

Another highlight came in bull riding where Douglas High's Paul Mannelly, who took fourth and Denny who was fifth. Mannelly and Denny pulled off two of 12 successful rides in two go-rounds in the eventh.

Carson High's Alyce Kugler, took ninth in girls cutting to qualify for today's finals. In addition, Douglas High's Jesse Bartorelli was one of three performers to successfully complete their ride in bareback, taking third.

Denny also teamed with Dayton's Amy Beaupre to take eighth in team roping in 14.98 in their first time in the event. Heberger and his partner, Jake Ward, took fifth in the first go-round and likely qualified for the finals.