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75 °F Forecast | Road Cams Saturday, August 28, 2004 Today's News | Classifieds | Autos | Homes | Jobs | Tempo | Health | Community | Home Delivery SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics Tempo AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map SPECIAL SECTIONS Since We Asked Outdoor Journal Prime Times Wellness Connection Readers' Choice Real Estate Showcase Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Wedding Guide Rogue Valley's Finest EXTRA Newspaper in Education Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People MARKETPLACE Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Classifieds Place an ad eSouthernOregon Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar CUSTOMER SERVICE Frequent Questions Advertising Information Home Delivery Employment Contact Us Media Kit Network Affiliate Oregon Road Conditions & Cams Email Story to a Friend August 4, 2004 Tim Alden lassoes his target during the calf roping competition at the Oregon State Finals Rodeo. Alden took sixth in the event and finished fourth in team roping to earn a spot at nationals. Alden lassoes longtime goal The 18-year-old Rogue River High student takes part in team roping event at nationals in Gillette, Wyo. By KEVIN GOFF Mail Tribune The hill to the world’s largest rodeo took three years to climb for Tim Alden. The senior-to-be at Rogue River High spent the last two seasons narrowly missing his opportunity at qualifying for the National High School Finals Rodeo. But Alden made good on his chance this time around. The 18-year-old journeyed to Gillette, Wyo., for his first-ever trip to the six-day event from July 19-25. Alden and his roping partner, 16-year-old Ty Johnson of Redmond, didn’t make it past the second go-round of team roping on July 22, but the nationals experience is something Alden won’t forget. Advertisement Besides his roping duties, Alden also spent time fishing the Shoshone River and soaking up historical landmarks. "It was a blast," says Alden of nationals, which featured over 1,500 competitors from 39 states, five Canadian Provinces and Australia. "I wish we had done better ... I saw a lot of great things and met a lot of nice people from all over." Alden finished fourth at the Oregon State Finals in team roping — the top four advance to nationals and places 5-10 go to the Silver State Finals Rodeo in Fallon, Nev. — to qualify. His sixth-place finish in calf roping — Alden’s favorite event — earned him a spot at the Silver State Finals from June 30-July 4. At nationals, Johnson missed her loop on the first attempt to snag the steer and came away empty on the second go-round as well. Only the top 20 from the first two rounds advance to the short go-round and Alden and Johnson didn’t make the cut. "That’s why they call it team roping," lamented Alden. "But we’ve done well all year (as partners). I’m happy about that." The 56th annual event boasted over $125,000 in prizes and $225,000 in college scholarships and a chance to be named National High School Rodeo National Champion. "The atmosphere was pretty exciting," says Alden. "It’s something I hadn’t experienced before, and I’ve been around rodeos my entire life." Alden’s a relative newcomer to big-time rodeo, but his family’s background in the sport precedes him. His father, Dana, has been a farrier in the area for many years and used to team rope and ride broncos in rodeos before Tim Alden was born. Janie Alden, Tim’s mother, runs the family’s leather business R6 Leather Products and his three older brothers — ranging in age from 20-24 — also dabble or have dabbled in the sport. Matt Alden, who’s only two years Tim’s senior, roped with the youngest Alden in high school. The two teamed up and made it to state when Tim Alden was a freshman, but couldn’t go any further. "That was nice of him to team up with his younger brother," says Tim Alden, who started competing in junior rodeos around the age of 10. "Matt should have gone farther. I was a little inexperienced. "But I’m glad he decided to be my partner." Alden’s stay at nationals may have been short but he expects a career in rodeo after high school. Although he’d like to end up in Texas — looked upon as the mecca of rodeo — Alden is considering his options on the West Coast. Schools such as California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, Calif., or even closer to home, Blue Mountain Community College in Pendleton could be in his future. "I’ve been floating around on what to do," he says. "There are a lot of good places for rodeo out there. I just need to weigh my options." He could also follow in the footsteps of Matt Alden, who often competes in jackpot roping — a one-event competition that runs more frequently than traditional rodeos. "I’ve gone to some jackpot roping (events)," says Tim Alden. "You have to pay a lot to play, but usually it pays out pretty good. They’re not my favorite, though. "You can’t match the atmosphere of a rodeo." Reach reporter Kevin Goff at 776-4483 or e-mail [email protected] . Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright © 1997-2004 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions Website Feedback ADVERTISERS A D V E R T I S E R S SPECIAL SECTIONS Auto Finder Job Finder Home Finder Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Tempo Readers' Choice Real Estate Showcase Since We Asked Outdoor Journal Moving to Southern Oregon? Volunteer Opportunities