Three consecutive sellout crowds weren’t the only ones reaping the successes of this past weekend’s Williams Lake Indoor Rodeo.
Several local cowboys and cowgirls made their marks in multiple events, bringing home accolades and cash, along with putting themselves in great positions to kick off the B.C. Rodeo Association season.
Around $30,000 was awarded to rodeo competitors over the weekend, with local athletes taking home a large chunk of the prize.
In tie down roping, Alkali Lake’s Willee Twan roped his calf in 12.4 seconds to tie for third place. For his efforts, Twan earned $366.21.
Saddle bronc rider Garret Madley of Alexis Creek scored a 77 — good enough for second place and $503.10.
In steer wrestling, locals Wade McNolty (150 Mile House) and Kyle Larden (Williams Lake) finished first and second, respectively.
McNolty, awarded $743.58, finished in 4.5 seconds while Larden, awarded $568.62, took a 5.5-second time.
In breakaway roping, 150 Mile House’s Chad Braaten put on a show for the packed house Saturday. Braaten put forth an amazing 1.8-second time for first place, earning him $772.56.
Later on, competing in the junior breakaway roping event, Braaten, again, dazzled the crowd with a time of three seconds flat for first place ($267.75).
Meanwhile, Williams Lake’s Ellis Smith finished third in the breakaway roping event, posting a time of 2.9 seconds for $346.32.
Junior steer rider Blaine Manuel (150 Mile House) was also busy making a name for himself over the weekend, posting a 74 for first place ($432.90).
In ladies’ barrel racing Williams Lake’s Sandra Mulvahill nabbed third spot with a time of 14.319 seconds ($612).
Junior barrel racer Madison Smith claimed third in the event with a time of 14.346 seconds ($199.26).
In peewee barrel racing, Tatla Lake’s Sydney Schuk raced to a second-place finish in a time of 15.689 seconds ($117).
Lastly, Williams Lake’s Evan Fuller was undoubtedly a happy man following the weekend as he was the only competitor to turn out a successful ride in the bull riding event.
Fuller scored a 74 and took home all of the event’s prize money — a whopping $9,054.
The Williams Lake Indoor Rodeo began Friday and wrapped up Sunday at the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex.