CLEARLAKE — Emily Mayo of Clearlake is headed to the 71st annual National High School Finals Rodeo (NHSFR) on July 14-20 in Rock Springs, Wyoming, and the talented 17-year-old rodeo star could use a little help after helping herself plenty during the recently completed California High School Rodeo Association season.
Mayo is seeking sponsorship from Lake County businesses and individuals to make her trip to Wyoming a reality. After competing in six events in CHSRA District 2 competition this season — pole bending, barrel racing, goat tying, breakaway roping, cutting and reined cow horse — she qualified for the state finals in three of those events — pole bending, goat tying and reined cow horse — while also being named an alternate in barrel racing. Mayo qualified for this year’s National Finals in pole bending, one of her best events.
A June graduate of Konocti Education Center where she sported a 3.1 GPA, Mayo is a three-time pole bending champion, a six-time pole bending state qualifier, and a two-time barrel racing state qualifier. Among her other accolades are 2019 Reserve Pole Bending Champion for the state of California and 2019 Pole Bending Short-Go Champion at the CHRSA finals.
Mayo isn’t a newcomer to the national stage either. She competed in pole bending at the National Junior High School Finals Rodeo in 2014 and 2015 in Des Moines, Iowa, placing in the top 12 in 2015.
Mayo will among a field of 1,650 contestants representing 43 states, five Canadian provinces, Australia and Mexico during the National Finals in Wyoming. In addition to competing for more than $150,000 in prizes, NHSFR contestants are also vying for more than $375,000 in college scholarships and the chance to be named an NHSFR World Champion. To earn that title, contestants must finish in the top 20 — based on their combined times/scores in the first two rounds — to advance to the final round. World champions will then be determined based on their three-round combined times/scores.
As a student at Konocti Education Center, Mayo made the honor roll and principal’s list every year since fourth grade, and she was named Student of the Year in 2015. During her high school years Mayo participated in cheerleading as well as track and field.
Emily is the daughter of Diane and Pat Mayo of Clearlake.
If you would like to sponsor Emily as she prepares to compete in the Nationals, phone (707) 701-1615 or send an e-mail to prm38@yahoo.com
