State rodeo finals this week

A number of Douglas County cowboys and cowgirls will be competing in the Nevada State High School Rodeo Finals this week in Winnemucca.

Douglas High senior Jonathon Glocknitzer (cutting) and Silver State Charter School freshman Grant Denny (all-around, steer wrestling, bareback) are among the top candidates to qualify for nationals this year.

The state rodeo starts Thursday in Winnemucca and runs through Sunday.

Glocknitzer could earn a third trip to nationals with a consistent showing this week in cutting while Denny will be battling for rookie of the year honors, as well as national qualifying spots in his top events.

Denny will be competing in bull riding, bareback, team roping, steer wrestling and calf roping.

He heads into state in third overall in steer wrestling, fifth in bareback, even though it is his first season in the event, and eighth overall in bull riding.

Bareback has been Denny's breakout event this season. Senior Pro Rodeo star Mario Cuccio saw him in Sparks and has been working with Denny on what to do and how to be safe in the event.

Other Carson Valley residents that competed on the high school rodeo circuit this year are step-sisters Jessica Nalder (barrel racing, team roping, poles and goat tying) and Jordyn Curtis (barrel racing and poles), Nick Nalder and Becca Glocknitzer.

Denny's younger brother, Wyatt, recently finished first in bull riding at the Wrangler Junior High Rodeo in Alamo.

His finish qualified him for the National Junior High School Finals Rodeo in Gallup, N.M. on June 29.

Wyatt and team roping partner Matt Bevers took first in their event and finished the season fifth overall.

Wyatt also finished fifth in calf roping and also took home Quarterhorse of the Year honors with his horse, Scooter.

High school nationals are July 20-26 in Farmington, N.M. The top four finishers in each event from each state advance to nationals. Competitors who place in fifth through 10th place in the state are eligible to compete in the Silver State Invitational in Fallon July 3 through 6.