“In the silent auction there will be a variety of photography from local photographers, lots of different jewelry, Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame blankets, cap, and mug, an assortment of clothes, homemade food, home décor, a handmade knife and sheath, and Deckers has donated a cooler full of steaks just to name a few of the items” lists Skye Martin, the Niobrara County High School (NCHS) Rodeo Coach. The silent auction and its items will be held Saturday, March 24 at the fairgrounds during the annual Rodeo Dinner held to help support the NCHS Rodeo Team. This years’ team includes Sadie Sturman, Kylie Strauch, and Peyton Kottwitz; per Martin, “Last year, Peyton qualified for the National High School Rodeo Finals in the Reined Cowhorse.  This year she is sitting 2nd in the Reined Cowhorse.  Sadie is currently sitting first in the state in the Breakaway Roping”. 

The dinner will begin at 6:00PM the night of the 24th; tickets, $15.00 for adults and $10.00 for children six and up, can either be purchased beforehand from Martin, one of the rodeo girls, or at the door. Along with the silent auction, there will also be a live auction for a Gary Johnson handmade bit and a rifle raffle for a Ruger Single Six 22LR-22 Magnum. “The money raised will be used to help the girls travel to state and nationals, go to clinics to improve their skills, and for scholarships” states Martin. 

For the spring season, rodeo competitions will take the team around the state including Laramie, Big Piney, Newcastle, Casper, and Buffalo, among other locations.  Finally, Wyoming State Finals will be held in Rock Springs from June 4-9 and the National High School Finals in Rock Springs from July 15-21. Martin explains that goals for this year have included to improve from last year and to qualify for the High School Rodeo Finals. As they prepare to begin, Martin shares her hopes for the girls, “One of the things I want them to do is to always believe in themselves and their abilities. This spring, I have stepped down as their coach and I want them to know that I believe in each of them.  They are all talented, hardworking young ladies who will go far in life.  They need to stay focused, believe in themselves, and never let anyone take away their competitive edge. This spring when competing, I want them to trust themselves and know that they’ve done everything in their power to prepare. I want to wish them the best of luck this spring season”.  

Pictures of the silent and live auction items can be found on the teams Facebook page: Niobrara County High School Rodeo Team Fundraiser.