Rude Earns State Title, National Recognition
Coleman Rude, the son of Thomas and Kathy Rude, was named Indiana state champion bull rider for 2012 at the Indiana High School Rodeo Association state finals earlier this summer. He went on to the national competition held July 15-21.
Held in Rock Springs, Wyo., and featuring more than 1,500 contestants from 41 states, five Canadian provinces and Australia, the National High School Finals is the world’s largest rodeo.
In addition to competing for more than $200,000 in prizes, NHSFR contestants also competed for more than $350,000 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 rounds of intense competition before advancing to the Saturday night final championship performance.
Rude received the Cowboy Up award and a $500 scholarship.
Besides competing, NHSFR champions represented their team in a volleyball tournament, enjoyed nightly contestant dances, participated in a talent contest, competed in an NRA rifle-shooting competition, tested their skills in a knowledge bowl, shopped the NHSFR western trade show and visited the historical attractions of the Cowboy State.In the shooting contest, Rude tied for first in the trap shoot, hitting 20 birds for 10 points.
Rude plans to attend Missouri Valley College this fall, where he plans to study conservation and participate on the college rodeo tour.
Further information is available at www.nhsra.org.