Middle schooler competing in national rodeo

Rusty Ballinger, an 8th grader at Marion Middle School, is competing in bareback steer competition this week in the 2024 National Junior High Finals Rodeo in Des Moines.

Roughly 1,200 contestants from 43 states, five Canadian provinces, Australia, and Mexico are competing for more than $80,000 in prizes, more than $200,000 in scholarships, and a chance to be named a world champion.

To be named world champion, contestants must finish in the top 20 based on their combined times and scores in the first two rounds to advance to Saturday evening’s final round.

World champions will be determined based on their three round combined times and scores.

Saturday’s championship performance will be streamed at https://www.cowboychannelplus.com.