Capitol Conversations: From Pasture to Policy Where Champions Are Made: Welcoming the National High School Finals Rodeo Back to Nebraska
There are certain moments in life that are difficult to put into words. For me, simply pulling into the National High School Finals Rodeo is one of them. The excitement is unlike anything else. Seeing hundreds of trailers, horses being unloaded, families greeting old friends, and young competitors preparing for the biggest week of their high school rodeo careers creates an atmosphere that is hard to describe. It is a feeling of anticipation, excitement, and pride that never gets old.
This week, Nebraska once again has the privilege of welcoming one of the most prestigious youth sporting events in the world: the National High School Finals Rodeo (NHSFR). Often referred to as the "World's Largest Rodeo," it brings together more than 1,800 contestants representing 43 states, five Canadian provinces, Australia, and Mexico. More importantly, it brings together families who have sacrificed countless hours and miles to help these young athletes pursue their dreams.
Hosting an event of this magnitude is no small accomplishment. Communities across the country compete through a rigorous bid process for the opportunity to host the National High School Finals Rodeo. It takes years of planning, outstanding facilities, dedicated volunteers, and tremendous community support. Lincoln has once again earned that privilege, and Nebraska should be proud to welcome these competitors and their families.
The impact extends far beyond the rodeo arena. More than 100,000 visitors are expected to travel to Nebraska during the event, generating millions of dollars in economic activity for Lincoln while supporting hotels, restaurants, campgrounds, fuel stations, and businesses throughout the region. It is an opportunity to showcase Nebraska hospitality and the values that make our state special.
Lincoln was originally selected to host the National High School Finals Rodeo in 2020. Unfortunately, because the mayor of Lincoln would not allow the event to move forward during the COVID-19 pandemic, organizers were forced to relocate it to Oklahoma. While disappointing, Nebraska earned the opportunity to host again, and we are grateful to welcome these outstanding young people to our state.
For me, the National High School Finals Rodeo is deeply personal. I had the privilege of competing three times at the National High School Finals Rodeo, in all of my events: pole bending, barrel racing, and cutting. I understand the early mornings, hours of practice, long weekends on the road, and mental grit it takes just to qualify. Simply earning a spot at the National Finals is an accomplishment that reflects years of dedication by both the competitor and their family, so thank you again to my mom and dad for all they did.
Years later, I was able to experience the Finals from a different perspective when I brought my daughter to compete, with my mom in tow, actually driving us in. As we came over the hill, overlooking the rodeo grounds, I still remember the goosebumps I felt. Looking out across the sea of trailers, horses, and families arriving from every corner of the country, I knew she was about to experience the same excitement, friendships, and memories that had meant so much to me years earlier. It was a full-circle moment I will never forget.
That is what makes the National High School Finals Rodeo so special. While champions are crowned each year, the greatest reward isn't a buckle. It is the character built along the way. Rodeo teaches responsibility, perseverance, humility, sportsmanship, respect for animals, and the value of hard work. These young men and women learn that success comes through grit, discipline, and determination: qualities that will serve them well wherever life leads.
As Nebraska welcomes these competitors and their families, I hope they leave with lasting memories of great competition, new friendships, and genuine Nebraska hospitality. We are honored to host them, proud to showcase our state, and grateful for the opportunity to celebrate a tradition that develops not only outstanding athletes, but outstanding citizens.
As always, please feel free to contact my office if I can ever be of assistance. I value hearing from the people of District 43, and I encourage you to reach out with your thoughts, questions, or concerns.
Respectfully,
Senator Tanya Storer
Facebook: Tanya Storer for Legislature
📩 Email: tstorer@leg.ne.gov
📞 Phone: (402) 471-2628
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