2 Superior school students devoting summer to multiple rodeo events

Oakley Ward and Sadie Rempel both attend Superior High School. Rempel is a senior and Ward is a freshman. The two share a common bond with their love for competing in rodeo events.

Ward inherited her love for the rodeo from her mother, Melissa. One of her two brothers also competes in youth rodeo events.

Ward began riding horses before she was able to walk. She has translated her love of riding and horses into a fiercely competitive spirit as she has moved on from 4-H horse shows to participating in youth rodeo leagues for two years.

Rempel resides near Nora, with her parents, Bent and Leah Rempel and her Blue Heeler, Diamond. Rempel has been a member of the Lucky Buckaroos 4-H Club for several years. She served as a 4-H Ambassador last year. She competed in the pleasure, trail and English riding events.

Rempel began competing in rodeo events while she was a seventh grader. She learned to rope from her father. Rempel maintains an active schedule at Superior High School. She has competed on the volleyball and track teams, as well as being a member of the Art Club and Community Service Club.

Ward and Rempel compete in the Central Kansas Youth Rodeo Association circuit in the summer months. This season’s events are held at Canton, Kan., at the Tom Miller Arena. The duo then turn their attention to the Heartland Youth Rodeo Association events in the cooler months. These events are staged at an indoor arena at Kingman, Kan.

Ward is competing in the 5th to 8th grade division. Rempel competes in the senior level bracket. Ward earned the overall cowgirl award last season. She was awarded a saddle for her efforts. Ward is in first place in the standings this season. Should she be successful, she will add another saddle to her collection.

Rempel is well on her way to the overall cowgirl title in her class as she sits in first place.

Rempel and Ward compete in the full slate of CKYRA events. The season begins in May and concludes in August. There are a total of 10 competitions. They are two-day affairs held on Saturday and Sunday. The season finale will be Aug 13 and 14, Both Ward and Rempel travel to Canton on the Friday to allow their horses to settle in. The events begin at 9 a.m.

Ward competes in the breakaway roping, team roping, goat tying, pole bending and barrel racing events. Rempel competes in the heading and heeling (team roping), breakaway roping, goat tying, pole bending and barrel racing events. Ward and Rempel compete as a team for team roping events.

Returning to school might seem dull for the duo after their summer activities.