LAHS Students Qualify To Compete In World's Largest Rodeo Held In Lincoln, NE

LAHS Students Qualify To Compete In World’s Largest Rodeo Held In Lincoln, NE

Submitted by Carol A. Clark
on July 13, 2026
- 9:14 am

Reed Trujillo competes in steer wrestling. Courtesy photo

Wacey Trujillo jumps off her horse during goat tying. Courtesy photo

NHSFR News:

DENVER — Six local student athletes have earned positions on the New Mexico State/Provincial National High School Rodeo Team and will travel with fellow teammates to Lincoln, Nebraska, July 19–25 to compete at the 78th annual National High School Finals Rodeo (NHSFR).

Representing northern New Mexico on the national stage are Los Alamos High School students Wacey Trujillo, Teagan Trujillo, Stetson Trujillo, Reed Trujillo and Aleyana Baca, along with Addison Tixier of New Mexico Connections Academy.

These student-athletes secured their places on Team New Mexico by finishing among the top four year-end contestants in their respective events during the 2025–2026 New Mexico High Rodeo season.

Wacey Trujillo, daughter of Tanner and Lenni Trujillo of Abiquiu and a student at Los Alamos High School, put together another standout season by capturing the 2025–2026 New Mexico State Championship in Girls Goat Tying and adding a fourth-place finish in Girls Breakaway Roping to earn qualification in both events at the NHSFR. Wacey also competed in Team Roping as a header throughout the season. Her latest title extends an impressive streak, as she has now held the number one year-end position in Girls Goat Tying for six consecutive years across both junior high and high school competitions.

Teagan Trujillo, daughter of Tanner and Lenni Trujillo of Abiquiu, and a student at Los Alamos High School, earned her trip to the National Finals after securing the Reserve Championship in Girls Goat Tying. Known for her consistency and determination in the arena, Teagan also competed all season in Team Roping as a heeler.

Addison Tixier, daughter of Trey and Hollie Tixier of Lindrith, and a student at New Mexico Connections Academy, concluded the season as the Reserve Champion in Light Rifle securing her qualification to National Finals. Showing her range across events, Addison also finished fifth in the year-end standings in Girls Goat Tying and competed in Girls Breakaway Roping during the season.

Stetson Trujillo, son of Cody and Ronda Trujillo of Abiquiu, and a student at Los Alamos High School, punched his ticket to Lincoln by earning a third-place year-end finish in Steer Wrestling to qualify for the NHSFR. A versatile competitor throughout the season, Stetson also placed seventh overall in Tie-Down Roping while competing in Team Roping as a heeler and in Trap Shooting.

Reed Trujillo, son of Cody and Ronda Trujillo of Abiquiu, secured his place at the NHSFR with a fourth-place finish in Steer Wrestling. Reed continued to build on his all-around rodeo experience by also competing in Team Roping as a header and Trap Shooting throughout the season.

Aleyana Baca, daughter of Anita and Guzman Chacon of Rio Chama and Mario Baca of El Rito, and a student at Los Alamos High School, earned her qualification to the National Finals with a fourth-place year-end finish in Girls Goat Tying. Aleyana also competed in Girls Breakaway Roping and Light Rifle throughout the season, rounding out an impressive year of competition.

The National High School Finals Rodeo will bring together more than 1,800 contestants from across the United States, Canada, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand and Guatemala, making it one of the premier youth high school rodeo events in the world. Team New Mexico competitors will battle for national titles while showcasing the dedication, work ethic, and western traditions that define high school rodeo.

Competitors will compete for more than $150,000 in prizes, over $200,000 in added money, and more than $375,000 in college scholarships, along with the opportunity to earn the prestigious title of NHSFR World Champion. To contend for a world title, contestants must finish among the top 20 in their event based on combined times or scores from the first two rounds of competition to advance to Saturday evening’s championship round. NHSFR World Champions will then be crowned based on three-round aggregate times and scores.

Again, this year, the Saturday championship performance will be televised nationally as a part of the Cinch Highschool Rodeo Tour telecast series. LIVE broadcasts of each NHSFR performance will air online at www.thecowboychannel.com. Performance times begin 7 p.m., July 19 and competition continues daily at 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. through July 25. Make sure to catch the action!

Beyond the competition, contestants will have opportunities to build friendships with fellow rodeo athletes from around the world while enjoying volleyball tournaments, contestant dances, family-oriented activities, church services sponsored by Golden Spur Ministries, and shopping at the NHSFR Trade Show.

To follow the progress of your local contestants, visit NHSRA.com for daily results and updates.

For event and ticket information, visit the Sandhills Global Event Center website.