31st Annual IFYR Action

Countywide & Sun/Natasha Dunagan

The dust has settled, and the announcer’s booth is now silent at the Heart of Oklahoma Exposition Center. But all last week, in the morning and evening, it was the place for all things roping and riding.

The IFYR champions in each event and All-Around pose following finals competition on July 15. Each event winner won a saddle and belt buckle, as well as a cash prize. The All-Around winners also received a saddle and a Cimarron horse trailer from National Trailer Source. They are, from left, Barrel Racing champion Alissa Flores, of Loredo, TX; Team Roping champion Cole Smith, of Amazonia, MO; Team Roping champion Catcher Gasperson, of Decatur, TX; Pole Bending champion Kenna McLemore, of Gracemont, OK; Tie-Down Roping champion Cash Fuesz, of Eureka, KS; All-Around Cowgirl Kacey Bass, of Brenham, TX; Steer Wrestling champion and All-Around Cowboy Kase Busby, of Leesville, LA; Bareback Riding champion Connor Griffeth, of Skullbone, TX; Goat Tying champion Haiden Thompson, of Yoder, WY; Saddle Bronc champion Wyatt Lavergne, of Sulphur, LA; Breakaway Roping champion Zaili Saculla, of Bryan, TX; and Bull Riding champion Tate Pollmeier, of Fort Scott, KS. IFYR Board Chair Randy Gilbert said the cash payouts added up to about $286,000 this year, up from approximately $260,000 last year. This amount is in addition to $29,000 in saddles and $8,000 in belt buckles. Countywide & Sun/Natasha Dunagan

The Internationa Finals Youth Rodeo wrapped up July 15 at the Heart of Oklahoma Expo Center in Shawnee. The event wouldn’t have been possible without the 600 volunteers who helped plan and run one of the largest rodeos in the country.

Madison Van Brunt, of Shawnee, competes in the Barrel Racing event during the IFYR on July 11 at the Heart of Oklahoma Expo Center. The IFYR marks its 30th year with 965 entries from 32 states.