RODEO
Kody Russell
Junior high rodeo spotlight WRITTEN BY KRIS BLANKMAN Western Wasatch Contributor
Cowboys and cowgirls must work rain or shine and rodeo is no different. One rainy weekend in Price, Utah, a young cowboy had to duct tape his boots on so they would not be sucked off in the mud. All the contestants were soaked and muddy and that memory is one of Kody Russell’s favorites. The youngest of three children, Kody, is the son of Kelly and Celeste Russell. He is 13 years old and in the eighth grade. This creative and funny young man is a student at the Leadership of Academy of Utah where math is his favorite subject because it is, “just easy.” Kody lives in Avon, Utah, which is literally between Paradise and Eden. Rodeo is a family activity for Kody.
“My favorite event is team roping because that has just been fun for me.”
— Kody Russell
His older brother and older sister both rodeo and his dad is a team roper. He is a member of the Utah Jr. High School Rodeo Association on the Wasatch Jr. High School Rodeo Team. He also rodeos as a member of the Legacy Junior Rodeo Association. He competes in goat tying, breakaway and team roping. When asked what his favorite event is, he said, “My favorite event is team roping because that has just been fun for me.” This all-around cowboy rode bulls for three years along with the other
PHOTOS SUPPLIED, CELESTE RUSSELL
LEFT: Kody was named the 2018 Reserve All Around Cowboy in the Legacy Junior Rodeo Association. RIGHT: Kody team roping at a junior high rodeo. 6 Standard-Examiner
Western Wasatch - January 2021 6
