Moody County continues to see incredible youth talent on the rodeo circuit. This past weekend, Anya Hemmer of rural Colman qualified in goat tying for the South Dakota National Junior High Rodeo Team while in Rapid City.  She placed third. The top four go to state.
Hemmer has been active in the sport for five years, competing in goat tying, barrel racing, breakaway roping and poles. Her most recent times in goat tying earned her a third place win and qualified her for the national team.

“It’s been a lot of hard work and the rodeos start right after winter, so me and Josie (Mousel) practiced all winter. She and Carlee Nelson helped me practice,” Hemmer said. Mousel, a national qualifier herself, is headed to the University of Wyoming this fall where she will compete on the rodeo team.
What the other young rodeo standouts have helped Hemmer work on, “I try to make consistent runs all the time — that is my main goal. I think it helps because in short-go runs, you have to make solid times all of the time, even if they’re not super fast. If they are consistent, you get points. Me and one of my best friends (from Huron) qualified, so we’re going to have a lot of fun, I think,” she said.
The National Junior High Rodeo runs June 18-24 in Perry, Georgia. Hemmer will compete twice in the short-go and if her times are right, she’ll get a third opportunity to compete in the finals.  
Hemmer said between now and then or throughout the summer, you can catch her or any other local youth, participating in rodeos around the region.