Three Butler County students have earned a chance to compete in the National High School Rodeo Assocation Wrangler Junior High Division finals this summer in Gallup, New Mexico.

This opportunity comes after all three had a strong showing in the Alabama High School Rodeo Association competition last Saturday at Alverson’s Arena in Millbrook.

Gage Smith, an eighth grader in Georgiana, will compete in calf roping, bull riding and chute-dogging.

Bailey O’Ferrell, a sixth grader from McKenzie, placed second in pole bending, and Briar Smith, a Georgiana sixth grader, came in third place in goat tying.

All three placed in the top four in their division, which earns them a spot in New Mexico.

All three have also competed locally, but never nationally.

The NHSRA finals will be from June 25 to July 4, and it is open to 47 states, four Canadian provinces and Australia.