Matthew
Boettcher of Custer will be in Wyoming this weekend to compete in the National
High School Finals Rodeo (NHSFR).

Boettcher,
who will be a junior at Rosholt High School in the fall, qualified after he
placed in the Top Four in four events at the 57th annual Wisconsin High School
Rodeo State Finals at the Richland County Fairgrounds June 17-19.

He
will be part of the Wisconsin National High School rodeo team for the 68th
annual NHSFR, which will be held in Gillette, Wyo., Sunday through Saturday, July
17-23.

“It feels
great, I’m excited and can’t wait to get out there,” said Boettcher. “This is
what it’s all about.”

Boettcher
began competing in rodeo events when he was in grade school, and following
eighth grade, qualified for the 2014 National Junior High Finals Rodeo in Des
Moines, Iowa, in six events.

This
year he looked to reach the NHSFR, which is the world’s largest rodeo, with
more than 1,650 contestants from 43 states, five Canadian Provinces and
Australia.

“I try to
rope every day, even if it’s just ground roping on a bale,” said Boettcher. “Riding
and caring for my horses is also important.

“I could
not be at this level if it wasn’t for my horses,” he said. “Perfect practice
makes for perfect runs.”

Competitors
were able to qualify for the NHSFR at the Wisconsin High School Rodeo State
Finals at the Richland County Fairgrounds June 17-19, where the Top Four
finishers in each of the 15 events would advance to Wyoming.

“I went in sitting good in the team roping and was
on the bubble for making the Top Four in tie down roping and steer wrestling,”
he said.

Boettcher
went on to finish second in the light rifle shooting, and also came in fourth
in tie down roping.

He
joined forces with Mason Gukenberger of Marshfield to tie for fourth in team
roping and tied for fourth in steer wrestling, to qualify for the NHSFR in
those events as well.

“I just had a really good weekend and everything fell into place,” said
Boettcher.

In
Wyoming, NHSFR contestants will compete for more than $200,000 in prizes, along
with more than $350,000 in college scholarships and the chance to be named an
NHSFR World Champion.

The
competition will begin at 8 p.m. Central Sunday, July 17, with performance
times each day at 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. Central Monday through Saturday, July
18-23, and broadcast live online at NHSRATV.com.

The
Top 20 in each event for boys and girls will advance to Saturday’s final round,
where they will compete for prize money and a Championship Buckle.

Throughout
the week, competitors will also be able to participate in extra-curricular
activities with other qualifiers from around the world, including a
contestant’s dance at the end of each night’s schedule.

“I’ve
worked hard all season,” said Boettcher. “And it’s just a great feeling to be
able to go out and compete at a national level and have a good time with other
members of Team Wisconsin.”

Boettcher
also thanked his parents Dale and Gina
for their help over the years, and getting him involved in the sport.

“I owe it all to my dad, he competed in rodeo when
he was my age and has taught me everything I know,” said Boettcher. “My two
older brothers also competed, so it was something I always had a passion for.

“I started in Little Britches Rodeo when I was just
6 years old,” he said. “And I am grateful for all my parents do to get me to
all the rodeos.”