By Rich Winter

605 Sports

CASTLEWOOD — After two regional rodeos, Castleood’s Addyson Whitnebel entered the South Dakota High School Rodeo Finals with just 11 points in the pole bending competition. The recently graduated senior had never made it to the High School National Finals so she had work to do when the state finals began in Fort Pierre in June. 

A first go round time of 21.447 was good enough for 9th place and seven crucial points. In the second go round Whitnebel’s time of 20.929 was good for third place and a monstrous 13 additional points. Whitnebel went even faster in the short go round, 20.921, good for fourth place and another seven points, clinching a trip to Gilletty, Wyoming, for the High School National Finals Rodeo. 

“All my blood was pumping through me and I was smiling and jumping up and down,” Addyson Whitnebel said. “I never thought I’d be able to get there so when I did just enough to get there it felt really good.” 

It is pretty rare to see siblings both qualify for the National High School Finals Rodeo. Even more rare is those siblings qualifying for that National High School Finals Rodeo in the same event. 

Meet Addyson and Kylie Whitnebel who are headed to Gillette, Wyoming, next week to represent Team South Dakota in the pole bending event.

For Kylie Whitnebel, the experience of heading to nationals is extra special as her horse recovered from a serious injury.