Posted: 6/19/02

Real rough rodeo

Branden Peterson
Sports Intern

The days of anxiously sitting in the stands amongst several thousand rowdy rodeo fans cheering onÝhis professional cowboy fatherÝare longÝgone for Peter Slipka.

OnlyÝa few days from his thirdÝconsecutive state rodeo competition, SlipkaÝalong withÝseveralÝotherÝlocal residents Ýare preparing to do their best against the state's best in rodeo. ÝÝ

Their skills will be thoroughly testedÝas they compete with approximately 150 9th-12th grade students from across Minnesota vying for the topÝfour positions in 11 events.Ý

The venue is thisÝweekend, June 21-23, at Dead Broke Arena in HugoÝas The Minnesota High School Rodeo Association will hold the state rodeo finals including calf roping, saddle bronc riding, bull riding, barrel racing, and seven other events. Placing inside the top four positions in any event, rides a cowboy or cowgirl on a trip toÝthe National Rodeo FinalsÝheld in New Mexico next month.ÝÝÝÝ ÝÝÝÝÝÝ

While many high school students find their way ontoÝa playing field, the auditorium stage, or another club, chances are goodÝyouíll find senior-to-be Peter Slipka at the Slipka ranch in Hugo working on his rope circling, calf tying, and horse riding skills. After qualifying his way into the national rodeo finals in both of the past two years, Slipka stills trains as many as 20 hours a week.Ý

Led by the coaching of his father, David, countless hours of practice have fine-tuned the skills that deem respect from the best high school cowboys in Minnesota. By the way, while Peter is a favorite to head to New Mexico for the national finals, he still is learning--heís only a junior.

Students from Stacy, Chisago City, White Bear Lake, Stillwater, and other surrounding communities will be participating at Dead Broke Arena this weekend as well.

Starting last August, the state finals mark the end of a long season for many cowboys and cowgirls. In that period, participants compete in as many as 12 rodeos.

Unlike nearly all sports for 9th-12th grade students, the Minnesota High School Rodeo Association is a self-supporting organization. Its members can compete outside of the association.

Meanwhile, students must behave in a responsible manner, compete under a strict dress code, and must maintain their grades at the standards of any other athletes in high school sports.

Indeed, rodeo is not only a sport, it is a way of life.

For the fourth year in a row, the Dead Broke Saddle Club will host the state finals for the young athletes.

Held rain or shine, competition will begin on Friday, June 21 at 7 p.m. and will continue on Saturday at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Final performances will conclude at 2 p.m. on Sunday.

Admission buttons can be purchased in advance at the Blacksmith Lounge and Nadeauís Market in Hugo, Denny Heckerís Dodge in Forest Lake, Woodloch Tack Shop and Hugo Trio Bar, both in Centerville for $5 and will get admittance throughout the weekend. Tickets will be sold at the gate for $6.

The most competitive and most important meeting of the year, the State Finals will inspire the young athletes to awe both the constant rodeo fan and any first-timer.

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