UJHRSA member, Brady Baxter – Shootem N Scootem Photography
Rodeo is just something that is in Brady Baxter’s family. Starting with his dad (Josh), a former high school timed event competitor, Brady and his older brother (Kody), a recent UHSRA graduate, mimicked the hunger for competition, which has led Brady to his second year with the UJHSRA. The 2015 state qualifier takes to the arena in a triple threat and competes in the breakaway roping, goat tying and team roping. “His goal this season is to make it to Nationals,” his mom (Kerri) said. The 13-year-old cowboy will make room in the rig for his younger sister (Grayce) as the 11-year-old will begin her path in rodeo in the goat tying within the UJHSRA and his youngest sister (Libby, 7) is chomping at the bit and is excited to get going herself.
An eighth grader at Willow Creek Middle School, the Lehi, Utah, resident extends his competitive nature to the basketball court and maintains a vigorously active mentality from season to season.
UJHRSA member, Jaxon Graff – Diane Garcia Photography
Deciding at the young age of 8 that rodeo was the path that he wanted to pursue, Jaxon Graff picked up a rope and has put his heart and soul into the sport. He has progressed in his arena performance and will take to his third season with the UJHSRA as a four-event contender, in addition to team roping and breakaway, he’s added chute dogging and goat tying to his list. The 13-year-old cowboy made his way to Nationals in the fourth place seed as a header. “It was a great experience for him,” stated Kason (Jaxon’s dad). Upping the ante, Jaxon and his new team roping partner and fellow breakaway roper (Kohl Bowler) have set their sights on making the trip to the National level. “They make a solid team,” Kason said. “They are dedicated to the sport, and are friends outside the arena. This team has the desire and determination to make it.”
While making his own decision to become a rodeo athlete, the St. George, Utah resident was born familiarized with the sport as Kason is a former team roping competitor. “It came to the point that I had to decide between me and my children, and hands down, you do whatever you can to help your children be successful in their endeavors,” Kason explained. Jaxon has two younger sisters (Jacee and Jessica) who rodeo as well. Jacee, 11, will enter her first season with the UJHSRA and compete in team roping, goat tying and ribbon roping. Jessica, 8, takes to the arena participating in junior rodeo associations. Mom (Kristi) never rodeoed, but she supports behind the scenes; hauling horses to practice and filming, just to name a few.
Jaxon is an eighth grader at Dixie Middle School and is a high honor roll student. “He lives for it, loves it and has a good heart on him,” Kason said. Whatever path he chooses, rodeo looks to be a part of it.
UJHRSA member, Brayden Burnside – Shootem N Scootem Photography
Two-time state qualifier, Brayden Burnside, thrives as a three-event cowboy, competing in the breakaway roping, team roping and ribbon roping, but will adjust to additional events, such as the goat tying, depending on the rodeo. “The people are great, the atmosphere is good and Utah has a strong competition level,” his dad, Rusty, said.
Taking to his third season with the UJHSRA, the 13-year-old cowboy is carrying on a family tradition and got his start by following in his older sibling’s footsteps, as both is brother and sister are former UJHSRA and UHSRA competitors. Yet, Brayden has set out on his own path and is determined to reach his goals. “He wants to make Nationals in at least two events and is very well on his way. Brayden is very dedicated. He goes to jackpots on the side and ropes about five hours every day,” Rusty said. Getting a solid foundation from his parents, as Rusty is a former timed event cowboy and his mom (Teresa) is a former high school and college rodeo-athlete, Brayden is able to get the coaching and support that he needs. The support often leads to splitting rigs, so that his sisters can rodeo. “We do what it takes so that everyone can get their time in the arena,” Rusty said.
An eighth grader in Manila, Utah, Brayden focuses his attention, in the rodeo offseason, to the basketball court as an all-around player. “When we’re rodeoing, Brayden is all rodeo, but during the basketball season, he’s all basketball,” Rusty said. “We have a family motto of always giving that extra ten percent. Perfection is never reached, for one can always get better and learn more, because once you think you are perfect, there is nowhere to go from there and you’re done.”
