Storylines Begin to Take Place as 31st Annual IFYR Approaches 

By: Julia Dondero

In less than a week, many of the nation’s brightest youth athletes will compete on one of the largest youth rodeo stages, the International Finals Youth Rodeo. The stage has been set and storylines are beginning to form as nearly 1000 youth athletes will make their way to Shawnee, Okla. for one of the world’s richest youth rodeos. 

Taking place at the historic Heart of Oklahoma Expo July 9-14, the $250,000 youth rodeo will showcase first-class talent and athletes from across the county. The 30th annual IFYR marks a special milestone as the event continues to shape generations of rodeo athletes.

Reigning All Around Cowgirl, Kacey Bass will return to Shawnee with her sights set on defending her prestigious title. Competing in the Barrel Racing and Pole Bending on her homegrown, main mount “Woody”, as well as competing in the Breakaway Roping, Bass looks to continue her success in Shawnee.

“I am so excited to return to the IFYR. I will always cherish the memories there and I am so excited about this incredible opportunity to return. The opportunities presented are incredible and the level of competition is unmatched.” explained the 15-year-old cowgirl from Brenham, Texas. 

Also making headlines are the Breakaway Roping sisters from Welsh, Louisiana– Rylie and Sydnie Romero. Rylie has been on quite the hot streak this Summer, picking up the THSRA Breakaway Roping title and the Women’s Rodeo World Championship Challenger title, as she looks to continue her success in Shawnee. Young Breakaway standouts Harley Prior and Chainey Wietz will also look to leave their mark on the 30th annual IFYR, ensuring the Breakaway Roping will be full of quick catches and nail-biting finishes. 

Headlining the Team Roping is none other than the successful 19-year-old duo from Arizona- James Arviso and Cashton Weidenbener. Arviso and Weidenbener have been roping together for the past three years and have continued to find success at all levels. From National High School Rodeo Champions to BFI appearances and now competing at PRCA rodeos together, the duo looks to make their mark in Shawnee one last time. With young guns and THSRA Team Roping Champions Nicky Northcott and Cole Smith also headlining the event, the Team Roping is sure to be full of fierce competition. 

Also hailing from “The Grand Canyon State” is All Around hand, Ketch Kelton. The three-event cowboy will have his sights set on taking home a piece of the $250,000 payout, as well as the coveted All-Around title. 

Rodeo fans will surely have their eyes out for Bareback Riders Kashton Ford and Brayze Schill who have been making waves throughout the restock world with success at recent World Champions Rodeo Alliance Division Youth events. 

Looking toward the timed events side, Alyssa Gary has been leading the Goat Tying world with her quick hands and gritty work ethic. Gary recently took home the Louisiana High School Rodeo Association Goat Tying title and looks to continue her success in Shawnee. With a roster packed full of electrifying competitors, like Colin Fox in the Steer Wrestling, the 30th annual IFYR will certainly be one for the history books.