Anderson boy ranked 24th in rodeo world

MARKINGS OF A CHAMPION: Nathaniel Jenkins of Anderson relaxes after a busy week at the World Finals in Fort Worth, Texas. Nathaniel is a student at Anderson Middle School.

Nathaniel Jenkins, 12, of Anderson recently returned from the World Finals for the Youth Bull Riders Association, held Aug. 5-9 in Fort Worth, Texas, ranked 24th in Senior Steer Riding.

Nathaniel and 13 other riders from the Western Regional Bull Riders Association attended the event.

Also successful in Fort Worth in their respective events were Tate Borba and Ray Mayo, winning third and fourth place in the calf riding respectively.

Meanwhile, Cody Panero was ranked 10th in the open bull riding.

The WRBRA has 15 rodeos during the season beginning in March and ending in September with the finals held in Redding on Sept. 26-27 at the Redding Rodeo Grounds.

Nathaniel trains with his Uncle Danny while not competing each weekend using a bucking chute that the family has built at the house.

Nathaniel has won five buckles this season at different WRBRA rodeos and is 415 points ahead of second place in the Sr. Steer Division in the WRBRA.

In Fort Worth, Nathaniel rode his first steer was bucked off his second and rode his third steer for a total of 115 points over all.

His favorite part about the trip besides being able to ride at a big event was going into a small diner in Fort Worth and being asked to sign the "Wall of Fame," by the owner and asked to come and update it the next time he was in town.

The family also went to Billy Bob's where they had everything from live bull riding to country music. The band Asleep At The Wheel was playing while they were there.

Nathaniel, his Aunt Linda and Uncle Danny also went on short shopping sprees in the Livestock District, visited the Cowboy Hall of Fame and other fun places.

"We had a lot family members come in from around the United States to watch Nathaniel ride in the World Finals Rodeo," said his Aunt, Linda Lentz of Anderson.

In April, Nathaniel attended the Sanke Rodeo School in Bishop. Nathaniel is the first recipient to receive the award for Best Student in the Junior Division. The plaque is a large bucking bull.

Natheniel is looking forward to continuing to ride for the Western Regional Bull Riders Association and beginning to participate in the Wrangler Junior High Rodeo Association District One.

Nathaniel is a sixth grader at Anderson Middle School. His favorite class is PE.