By: Julia Dondero

Coming into the 2023 CINCH World Championship Junior Rodeo Presented by Montana Silversmith, Briar White was zoned in on taking home the coveted Youth All-Around Cowboy title. So far, he’s doing just that.

With Round 1 victories in both the Tie-Down Roping and Team Roping, the youth competitor’s week is going according to plan thus far. At just 15 years young, the cowboy has already added many impressive accolades to his career, including the recent Oklahoma High School Rodeo Association Tie Down Roping Championship. This week, the Sooner State native has his eyes set on adding a WCJR title (or two) to his resume. 

While it’s only the second day of competition at The Fabulous Lazy E Arena, White has stuck to his game plan and his hard work has already come to fruition. With Round 1 wins in both the Tie Down Roping and Team Roping, White has already pocketed nearly $900 and has put himself in the driver’s seat of several races heading into the Semi-Finals. 

The Youth Division younguns have come, guns-a-blazing and giving it their all in Guthrie thus far. In Round 1 of the Youth Goat Tying, Colee Cox put together a blazing fast run of 6.1 seconds, besting every goat tier the 2023 WCJR has seen thus far. 

Taking home nearly $1,200 in Round 2 of the Barrel Racing was Annika Ruth. From competing at the Women’s Rodeo World Championships to youth showcases, Ruth has dominated nearly every stage she and her elite string of horses have competed on. 

Wacey Schalla, the reigning Junior Bull Riding Champion also has his eyes set on several titles, including the coveted All Around Cowboy title. Scoring an 81 and an 80 in the Bareback Riding and Bull Riding, Schalla placed second in both events, behind Kashton Ford and Caison Burrus, respectively.

As storylines continue to develop, so does the progression of the WCJR. Friday will kick off the Semi-Finals Round in each event, narrowing the competition to the competitors still vying for their piece of the historic payout.