Hartville’s Bailee Russell, a 12th grade student at Alpha Omega Academy, has won the 2020 state championship in barrel racing and has earned a position on the Missouri National High School rodeo team. She will be traveling with fellow teammates to Guthrie, Okla. to compete in the 72nd Annual National High School Finals Rodeo (NHSFR) barrel racing event. Russell also competes in breakaway roping. She is the daughter of Tom and Lisa Russell, of Hartville.
The NHSFR event will feature more than 1,650 contestants from 43 states, five Canadian provinces, Australia and Mexico, making it the world’s largest rodeo.
In addition to competing for more than $150,000 in prizes, contestants will also be competing for more than $375,000 in college scholarships and the chance to be named the NHSFR world champion. To earn this title, contestants must finish in the Top-20 based on combined times and scores in the first two rounds in order to advance to the final round. The world champion is determined based on the combined times/scores of the three rounds. The event will be televised on RFD-TV and online at www.RidePass.com. Performances start at 7 p.m. on July 17 and runs from 9 a.m.-7 p.m. through July 23.
Also during this time, Bailee will have the opportunity to enjoy shooting sports, volleyball, family-oriented activities, church services through Golden Spur Ministries and shopping at the NHSFR Trade Show.
