By Whitney Thurmond

The world of Jr. Calf Roping is growing rapidly, thanks in part to six-time world champion Cody Ohl, who along with other previous champs is putting on a roping event for kids up to the age of 19 this weekend.

The Jr. Calf Roping Championships just started this year with their first qualifier roping held in Midland, Texas, back in March. Ohl is offering three qualifying ropings this year before the finals in Sweetwater, Texas, on December 1-3.

The next one will be this weekend in Hamilton, Texas. Each qualifier has a 70 percent pay back, then the finals have a 175 percent payback. There are age groups ranging from the 10 and under breakaway (girls and boys) to the 19 and under breakaway and the 19 and under tie-down. Each short round qualifier from each roping will be eligible to compete in the finals in December.

This roping is bringing young ropers from all over the country. One in particular that will be attending and participating is Whitley Whitewood from Bandera, Texas. She will be traveling over three hours to this event to compete in the open breakaway and the 19 and under. This is her first Cody Ohl Jr. roping to attend and she has high hopes of making the finals in December.

Ropings like these give the future generations of roping an opportunity to rope against great competition and for great prizes and money. Seeing past champions put their time and effort into bettering the youth and sharing their success with them shows how rodeo comes full circle and is one big family.

Good luck to all the contestants this weekend at the second qualifier!

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