Young Meroshnekoff takes 15th in nation

NUMBER ONE IN THE STATE: Casey Meroshnekoff holds his newest saddle before getting ready to take his first ride on it. Meroshnekoff was ranked number one in the state of California at the state level at the 2009 high school state finals in the bareback riding.

Casey Meroshnekoff, formerly of Cottonwood, was riding his first horse before he was old enough to walk. Now, at age 15, Casey is Bareback Champion of the Year for the 2008-2009 California High School Rodeo Association.

Casey recently represented California at the National High School Rodeo Association Finals in Farmington, N.M., where he finished in 15th place overall out of 79 riders who each qualified on two head of horses. On his first two rides, Casey scored 60 points on the first and 57 points on the second, which qualified him for the short go-round featuring the top 20 riders in the event. In the short go, Casey scored a 65 point ride that placed him 15th in the nation.

Casey is currently riding on a permit in the California Cowboys Professional Rodeo Association and will pursue his own card for the 2010 season while making a run for Rookie of the Year. Casey has been competing against his father, Alex Meroshnekoff, in CCPRA rodeos along with other experienced cowboys and consistently places in the top of the field. He also rides bulls and team ropes.

Casey has been riding bareback horses for two and a half years and trains each day while not competing each weekend.

As for the High School National Finals Rodeo, Casey hopes to be able to make the trip again in the future.

"It was the busiest week I've ever been through. Everybody was great and fun to be around. In that week, I was able to go on vacation, ride three great horses and had fun doing what I love," stated Casey. "The horses here in California though are a bit more rank and bucky."

Competing in Farmington with Casey were Blaine Davies and Zack Brown, both of Red Bluff, who placed 24th and 37th respectively in the bareback event.

Daniel Ferreira of Fort Jones placed 61st in the steer wrestling out of 113 competitors, Laramie Collins of Weed placed 21st out of 57 riders in the bull riding on one bull.

Callie Anthony of Red Bluff placed 109th in the goat tying. Her teammate Bailey Bidwell of Hat Creek placed 57th in the event with approximately 150 competitors entered.

California's team placed 12th overall at the National High School Finals Rodeo out of 43 states, along with teams representing several Canadian provinces and even a team from Australia.

"We watched one another compete when we could and spent time together along with other kids having roping and shooting competitions," said Casey.

Casey is the son of Alex Meroshnekoff of Red Bluff and Shannon Meroshnekoff of Montague.

"We (District One) would like to thank all of our sponsors for supporting in making the trip to the National Finals Rodeo in New Mexico," said Casey.