Letter from THSRA State President

Dear Contestants and Rodeo Families, Welcome to the 75th annual THSRA State Finals Rodeo! What a great rodeo season we have had, and what a historic event this finals this is destined to be! Over 600 contestants will compete this week to see who will represent Team Texas at the National High School Finals Rodeo.

THSRA continues to advance the association’s support for its membership. The cash purse at the THSRA State Finals Rodeo has steadily increased over the past ten years. This year, the THSRA Board of Directors voted to raise the bar yet again increasing the added money to the THSRA State Finals Rodeo with an additional sum of $50,000! Now with a total of $150,000 added to the 2023 THSRA State Finals Rodeo purse, the 2023 THSRA State Finals Rodeo will payout over $290,000! Not only is this a new record payout for THSRA, but this level of payout puts the THSRA State Finals Rodeo on par with the rodeo industry’s most elite and prestigious events produced throughout the year.

In addition to the great payout, this year’s prize line is valued near $70,000! 231 trophy buckles will be awarded. Winners in go rounds, averages, and national qualifiers will receive Outlaw Spirit buckles. State Champions in each event, All Around Champions, and Queen will receive legacy buckles made from sterling silver and 10 K gold by Gist Silversmiths. Reserve Champions will receive HyO Silver buckles. All Around Champions and our newly crowned queen will go home with a beautiful Tod Sloan trophy saddle.

Plus, awards will be given to all Top 15 qualifiers to the short round in each event.

THSRA is proud of its commitment to helping students pursue a great education. This season, THSRA members will be awarded over $280,000 in scholarships with $100,000 of the total being contributed by THSRA itself. All of this is made possible due to the generous and continued support from our regions, stock show partners, scholarship contributors, and our valued corporate sponsors. Many of THSRA’s sponsor partners will be on site this week. We encourage you to take the time to let them know how much you appreciate their support!

Finally, the THSRA cannot operate without the selfless dedication and support from our community of directors, parents, and volunteers. Thanks to each of you for your help throughout the year at the region and state level to make this great event possible.

Congratulations to all contestants that have qualified to compete in this historic event! We wish you all the best of luck, and we hope you enjoy your week here in Abilene.

Sincerely,

Ken Bray THSRA President