Bell 10th grader to compete at Nationals

By Carrie A. Mizell

A summer of rest and relaxation may not be in the cards for Jake Hoffman, a 10th grade student at Bell High School who plans to compete in the steer wrestling competition at the International Finals Youth Rodeo and the National High School Finals Rodeo.
Jake earned a spot on the Florida High School Rodeo Team and will be traveling to Gillette, Wyoming for the 62nd Annual National High School Finals Rodeo from July 18-24. Prior to traveling to Wyoming, Jake will compete in the 2010 International Finals Youth Rodeo, which will be held in Shawnee, Oklahoma July 12-17.

As the world’s largest rodeo, the National High School Finals Rodeo (NHSFR) will feature over 1,500 contestants from 41 states, five Canadian Provinces and Australia. In addition to competing for over $200,000 in prizes, NHSFR contestants will also be vying 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 go-rounds of intense competition before advancing to Saturday night’s final championship performance.
The 2010 NHSFR will be telecast on RFD-TV. Check local listings for times.
Jake was recently honored by Ariat Boot Company, Cinch, and Resistol hats with a pair of Ariat Boots, a pair of Cinch jeans and a Resistol Hat for being named the Florida High School Rodeo Association 2009-2010 All-Around Champion at the State High School Finals Rodeo, which was held April 29-May 2 in Brighton, Florida.
While competing in Brighton, Jake was also named the Cinch Steerwrestling Champion. In addition to receiving other awards and college scholarships given out at the state level, Jake also received a pair of Cinch jeans and a NHSRA state event champion patch to put on his official competition shirt. Best of luck, Jake!