Texas Youth Rodeo Association takes over Gonzales

GONZALES — JB Wells Arena hosts another rodeo state finals this week.

The Texas Youth Rodeo Association weeklong finals started Tuesday and will finish Saturday with a rodeo performance at 3 p.m. Performers were asked to dress vintage western on Tuesday, wear black on Wednesday, dress pink for breast cancer awareness on Thursday, brighten the day with neon on Friday and “anything goes day” on Saturday for the short go. More information is available online at texasyouthrodeo.com.

At this week’s rodeo, performers will be competing for over $20,000 added to the payout, custom saddles, custom buckles and this year’s six all-around trailers.

Three athletes from Gonzales will be taking on the TYRA state finals this week. In the junior division, Audrey Thibodeaux will take on cloverleaf, figure 8 and poles. Sadie Thibodeaux will participate in the senior division, taking on cloverleaf, girls breakaway, goat tying, poles, ribbon roping and team roping. Taylor Glass will also take on the senior division, participating in goat tying, poles, ribbon roping and team roping.

Each year, the graduating seniors are awarded scholarships based on their academics, community service and essay. TYRA’s corporate sponsor Corral Boots contributed an additional $2,000 towards the scholarship program.

Rodeo performances are scheduled for 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Friday, the rodeo is at 1 p.m. and on Saturday the rodeo is at 3 p.m. Dinner and awards to follow the short go at the JB Wells Expo Center.

Results from the performances on Tuesday and Wednesday were unavailable before press time.

TYRA would like to thank their partners and sponsors such as Ranch Hand Truck Accessories, Lyssy & Eckel Feeds, Phil and Sar Lyne, the city of Gonzales and Solutions Chemicals for their continued support.