Pelke ropes way to top finish at Nationals

by Beth Kraft

Nathan Pelke, 13, of Mondovi recently competed in the 2015 National Junior High Finals Rodeo in Des Moines, Iowa, scoring a top finish in boys breakaway roping.

In the first go-around of NJHFR competition, which took place June 21-27, Pelke roped his calf in a blistering 1.95 seconds, beating out all other youths who competed in breakaway roping that day.

The fast time gave Pelke a good shot at qualifying for the top 20, also known as the “short go,” but his second go-around didn’t pan out in the ultra-competitive event that features rodeo youths from all across the U.S., Canada and Australia.

However, his preliminary round win came with some great swag; Pelke was rewarded with a pair of western pants, a belt buckle, a $100 scholarship and a fly blanket for his horse.

Pelke also qualified to compete in bullriding, goat tying, team roping, ribbon roping and chute dogging at this year’s NJHFR.