Under the bright lights of Shawnee and the grit of Oklahoma dirt, the 33rd annual International Finals Youth Rodeo (IFYR) closed with more than just championship titles—it crowned dreams, redemption stories, and lifelong memories.
Showcasing the future stars of rodeo, this youth, IPRA-sanctioned rodeo provided the opportunity for athletes aged 14-19 to compete on one of the world’s largest youth rodeo stages.
From the opening ride to the final run, over 850 youth athletes from across the country—and beyond—competed in one of the toughest and most prestigious youth rodeos in the world. And when the dust settled, a new generation of rodeo stars emerged.
One of them was Colt Bass of Statesville, North Carolina, whose elite combination of roughstock grit and timed-event finesse earned him the coveted All-Around Cowboy title. Bass, an IFR qualifier, will look to continue his success throughout the IPRA season.
On the women’s side, Raegan Chance of Mendenhall, Mississippi, showed her versatility and composure, racking up over $10,000 and securing the All-Around Cowgirl honor with standout, short-go qualifying performances in both barrel racing and breakaway roping.
In the barrel racing arena, Rinley Rawlins of Midlothian, Texas, entered the Short-Go as a front runner and didn’t disappoint. Her final 16.282-second run cemented an aggregate win and $9,056 in earnings. Meanwhile, Oklahoma’s own Merrick Moyer lit up the pole bending event with the week’s fastest time, capturing the prestigious title.
There were show-stopping performances in the roping and roughstock events too. Kyree Donaldson of Idabel, Okla., stunned with a 1.8-second breakaway run, while Hadley Thompson of Wyoming delivered a redemptive 6.4-second goat tying run—the week’s fastest—to earn her first IFYR buckle.
Florida made its mark with Cross Fulford and Trey Weekley, both High School Rodeo State Champions, winning in tie-down roping and steer wrestling. International flavor came from Cade Ferguson of Cloncurry, Australia, whose 83-point saddle bronc ride earned him a place in IFYR history.
Other champions included Fisher Burnsworth (bareback), Braxton Whitesell (bull riding), and the team roping duo Quinten Loehr and Jordon Steele, who clinched their win with wide grins and heartfelt celebration.
“It’s one you always dream of winning,” said Steele, summing up a sentiment shared by many competitors.
As the arena quiets and banners come down, Shawnee once again proves itself the heart of youth rodeo—where champions are made, legends are born, and rodeo’s future continues to shine.
