By Rich Winter

605 Sports

BLUNT — After the dust had settled from the bareback riding at the South Dakota High School Rodeo Finals, a freshman, Lucas Yellow Hawk was crowned state champion. 

The Blunt cowboy, who goes to school at Sully Buttes, had some work to do after a so-so first go-round ride. 

“That first go was kind of a mess,” Yellow Hawk said. “The horse kinda ran off on me and I got really loose and it wasn’t my best ride.” 

Yellow Hawk entered the state finals with 26 points. His first go-round score of 54, tied for the low score among the eight contestants who had qualifying rides. 

Knowing he needed big points on his second ride, Yellow Hawk felt pretty good about the horse he drew for the second go-round. 

“I knew he was a nice hopper so I had a big smile on my face before the ride,” he said. 

His 68-point ride was good for second place in the go-round, boosting the riders score and mentality heading into the short go round. 

“I didn’t really know what position I was in,” he said. “When I got there my goal was to make it to nationals so that ride gave me a huge confidence boost.”

Yellow Hawk had a 65-point ride in the short go and finished with 74.5 points to edge Fruitdale’s Reece Reeder (73), New Underwood’s Kade Montague (72.50) and Porcupine’s Jhett Knight (72.5).

With his mother Catina in attendance Yellow Hawk said there were some happy tears shed after winning the bareback competition. Despite his youth, Yellow Hawk is beyond excited to attend the National High School Finals Rodeo in Gillette, Wyoming, on July 17-23. 

“This was my goal, and that’s an every year goal for me,” he said. “Being able to qualify for nationals at such a young age was a blessing to me and everyone that’s helped me get to this point.” 

As he heads to the National High School Finals Rodeo, the 15-year old feels like his mentality of ‘knowing what he’s capable of’ will help him stay calm at the biggest high school rodeo in the world. 

“Before every ride I try to relax a little and take a few deep breaths,” he said. “I tell myself I’ll be alright and I make a picture perfect ride on my horse and then give the nod.”

No accident that Yellow Hawk is a rising star in the South Dakota high school bareback riding. He lives on the Korkow Ranch and has access to the tools he needs to keep getting better. 

“Korkow has a rodeo school during the last week of April,” he said. “They have a bucking machine and I can get on it, go through some reps and work on the little technical things. I also have a spur board at home that I use to correct some stuff.” 

Lucas also gives credit for his success to older brother Chase who will be a senior at Sully Buttes this fall.