MANSFIELD — The Wild West shined bright Wednesday night with the Rough E. Rodeo showcasing a variety of talents.
The evening’s events featured Mutton Bustin’, Barrel Racing, and two rounds of Bull Ridin’.
Mutton Bustin’ came out strong as kids aged 4 to 9 tried to stay on their sheep for six seconds. Although sheep are smaller animals, it seemed no easy task as the kids clung for their lives to the back of their sheep.
The first round of Bull Ridin’ followed and the first four riders all completed qualifying rounds. It seemed to go that way for the rest of the round as most of the riders were able to meet the eight-second requirement.
A short intermission took place after all the riders finished and the track was set up for the next event, barrel racing.
There were 27 racers competing as they wove through barrels and sprinted to the finish. In the end, it was Sierra Baker who emerged victorious with a time of 14.967 seconds. Baker was the only rider to hit the sub 15-second mark.
The championship round for Bull Riding started back up, but this time it was the bulls who took charge.
All of the riders who dominated in their first round were not able to complete the eight-second mark the second time around. Cody McCandless finished as the winner and the entree fee from all 23 riders was awarded to the top-5 finishers.
Dalton Fink, the 4th-place finisher, is a 17-year-old from St. Marys, Ohio. Fink has been riding bulls for four years and has been to five different states to compete.
“I just pray whenever I get up on that bull. Glory to God.” Fink said.
Fink left with a phrase that was continuously shouted throughout the night.
“Long live Cowboys!
