Several Butler County youth got the chance to make their mark on the national rodeo scene with a trip to Gallup, New Mexico to participate in the Wrangler Junior High Finals Rodeo.

Gage and Briar Smith, both of Georgiana, and Bailey O’Ferrell of McKenzie made the journey.

The trip was a 25-and-a-half hour drive to Red Rock State Park on historic Route 66.

Despite it being their first national rodeo, the Butler County crew turned in some strong performances.

Gage and Briar finished 71 of 143 ribbon ropers, while O’Ferrell finished 66 of 157 barrel racers and Briar was 127 out of the same 157.

Briar finished 71 out of 148 pole benders, and O’Ferell was 81 of the same 148.

O’Ferrell also finished 72 out of 145 goat tiers, while Briar placed 89th.

Gage finished 28 out of 134 chute doggers.

Bailey and Gage each had to visit the sports medicine staff, but there were no major or event-eliminating injuries.

The event will be televised in October on RFD-TV.