MOUNTAIN VIEW COUNTY – A Sundre-area teen is one of 49 Alberta high school rodeo athletes in Wyoming this week for the 77th annual National High School Finals Rodeo where world champions will be crowned Saturday.
Tie-down roper Levi Hunter, who calls the James River area of Mountain View County home, made his debut at this year’s event Monday.
Twenty-three tie-down ropers placed in the July 14 afternoon go-around with times ranging from 10:13 to 21:53.
Hunter placed third at 11.1.
The 16 year old is scheduled to have another performance Friday morning before the short go-around championship on Saturday, July 19.
Officials counted 1,779 contestants and 2,169 entries from six countries and 53 states and Canadian provinces in the 2025 event. Eighteen world champions are to be crowned in events ranging from tie-down roping and goat tying to steer wrestling and reined cow horse.
The top four contenders from member state and provincial qualifiers compete in National High School Finals Rodeo.
Hunter, a Sundre High School student, qualified for the world event by winning the provincial tie-down roping championship at the Alberta High School Rodeo finals held in Stettler in June.
This is his second appearance at National High School Finals Rodeo. In 2024, he placed fourth provincially in tie-down roping, qualifying him to compete.
