National rodeo qualifier has McCook ties

Courtesy Photo

Tate Talkington dismounts during a competition that helped him qualify for a spot on the Nebraska National Junior High rodeo team and compete at the 15th annual nationals in Huron, S.D. June 23-29. He is the son of Shane and Brooks Talkington of Scottsbluff and grandson of Bev and Dallas Talkington of McCook. An eighth grader, he qualified in tie-down roping, team roping, goat tying and ribbon roping. Contestants will be competing for more than $80,000 in prizes and more than $200,000 in college scholarships. The competition will be broadcast on RFT-TV live 7 p.m. June 23 and 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. each day.