High School Rodeo Spring Season Starts in Gem City [AUDIO]

The spring portion of the high school rodeo season will commence April 13 and 14, as Laramie will host two days of competition at the Cliff and Martha Hansen Livestock Teaching Arena on Highway 230. This is the first of eight rodeos on the spring schedule that leads up to the State Finals in Douglas, June 5-9, 2013.

Over 200 contestants and their families descend upon Laramie for the weekend of competition. The action gets underway with slack at 9 a.m. on Saturday. There is an evening performance on Saturday at 7 p.m., with the Senior recognition ceremony beginning at 6:45 p.m. The weekend concludes with the final performance at 9 a.m Sunday.

Laramie has a unique aspect to its' high school rodeo weekend, as it is the only stop on the regular season schedule with a prime-time performance. If you wish to attend the Saturday night performance, it will cost you $5 at the door, or $4 if you buy a ticket in advance at Boot Barn on North 3rd Street.

Local club members Abbea Faris and Lane Romsa were guests on Sportsline Live on KOWB, April 10.

Romsa said to be the only rodeo that has an evening perf, "It's very special. We're the only one in the state that has it. Without our sponsors, it wouldn't be possible. It's a little more work, but for the main part it brings a huge crowd in. We really enjoy it."

Competition this weekend for the ladies includes Barrels, Poles, Breakaway Roping and Goat Tying. Boys events include Bull Riding, Saddle and Bareback Bronc Riding, Tie Down Roping and Steer Wrestling. Both boys and girls will compete in Team Roping.

While this is the first of the spring rodeos, the season actually started last fall with three stops in Wheatland, Riverton and Jackson. Points accumulated from those carry over to the spring run. The top four finishers in each event, including the results of the State Finals in June, will represent Wyoming at the National High School Finals Rodeo in Rock Springs in mid-July.

For the high school rodeo standings after the fall, click here.

For more on the Laramie weekend, you can listen to the Sportsline Live interview with Abbea Faris and Lane Romsa below: