Page 1.indd - Wingspan

8 WingspanRodeoApril 2, 2012wingspan.lccc.wy.eduBarrel racer racks up points for women’s teamRaelynn Keller: No. 8barrel racer in CRM regionChasing cans:Raelynn Keller rounds a barrel at the Gillette Rodeo.Keller believes women’s team will make CNFR.By Shawn HavelCo-EditorIn an era of vain athletes with ballooningegos, Laramie County Community College’srodeo team seems to create a different breed ofathlete.Sophomore barrel racer Raelynn Keller, ofSaskatchewan, Canada, has approached theseason confidently but remains humble andoptimistic about her contributions to the teamand her own rodeo career.Keller currently sits in eighth place in theCentral Rocky Mountain Region for barrel racingwith 185 points but has been consistentlycontributing to her team’s standing with twofourth-place finishes and a sixth-place finishlast semester.“I’m more hopeful in the team,” Keller said.Though Keller did not doubt her own abilities,she said she knew LCCC’s women’s rodeoteam was on the verge of qualifying for theCollege National Finals Rodeo and she said shefelt her team was capable of earning a spot byfinishing as one of the top two teams regionally.Keller said she will remain competitive inbarrel racing and was capable of challenging fora top-three spot to qualify for her own spot inthe CNFR.“I’m anxious to see how it turns out,”Keller said.By Shawn HavelCo-EditorStarting a new sports season at the collegiatelevel can be challenging for some freshmen;however, one Laramie County CommunityCollege athlete has risen to the challenge.In her first semester competing for the college’srodeo team, Shana Lyons has become oneof its outstanding competitors, specifically, ingoat tying.Lyons placed fourth in the Central WyomingCollege rodeo last September, which was onlyher second collegiate rodeo.Lyons said she was nervous to start theseason, but “making the short go in fourth is aconfidence boost.”However, as a breakaway roper and barrelracer, Lyons said she felt confident she willbecome competitive in other events, especiallybarrel racing because of a horse she hasbeen raising since her sophomore year in highschool.Lyons said she attributed much of her successin her early rodeo career to the environmentsin which she’s been raised. Coming fromLander, Lyons was raised in a family who hasalways been involved in rodeo. She said herfather rode bulls until she was born; her sisterLike many of the athletes on the rodeoteam, Keller competes in multiple events. And,although she said barrel racing is her strength,breakaway roping is her favorite event.“Barrel racing is based on the horse’s ability,which is why I like breakaway,” Keller said. “Ihaven’t made any points, but I feel more confidentthis semester.”Keller said she felt she will be able to place inbreakaway roping during the second half of theseason.The roots of Keller’s love and understandingof rodeo can be traced throughout her familytree. Both of her parents were involved in rodeo.Her mother competed in barrel racing; herbrother is currently competing, and her sisterRheanne Keller is currently competing withLCCC.She said she loved rodeo because of how shewas raised and felt it was what she knew mostabout.Keller said she was inspired to competebecause she loved “the feeling of doing well andthe accomplishment” she felt afterward.Keller is currently majoring in biology to becomea physical therapist; however, she said shehoped she could become a professional rodeoathlete. She plans on attending LCCC for anotheryear before transferring to the Universityof Wyoming.Freshman key contributor for rodeo teamLyons an up-and-coming rodeo starShana Lyons: No. 12 goattier in CRM regionJessie WitteShawn HavelNeed for speed:Shana Lyons practices barrel racing for the upcomingColorado State University rodeo.currently competes in high school rodeo, andher cousins are also involved.“I have a very good support group,” Lyonssaid. “Not everybody has that, and I’m thankfulfor my family and the support they give.”Lyons said the support isn’t limited to herfamily in Lander; her experiences at LCCC havealso played a part in her growth as an athlete.She said LCCC Coach David Browder hashelped her succeed in goat tying, and his wife,Tiffany Browder, has helped her with barrelracing.“I’ve really liked the experience,” Lyons said.Academically, her goals are to earn a degreein accounting; however, one of her goals is tofollow in her father’s footsteps and breed horses.“My dad bred one of our mares, and watchingthe horses grow up made me want to do it,too.”As for her goals for the remainder of theseason, she is optimistic the women’s rodeoteam can qualify for the College National FinalsRodeo, this summer in Rock Springs.She also said she would like to rank in theTop 10 for barrel racing to finish this year’srodeo season.“There’s a good possibility,” she said.“Anything can happen.”