Bushaw back at nationals

Will Bushaw will be competing in cutting at the National High School Finals Rodeo in Gillette, Wyoming next week. He finished second in rhe nation …

Will Bushaw isn't asking for much, just to move up a single rung in competition during the next week.

Of course, that would make him a national champion.

Last summer, Bushaw, a junior from Peaster, finished second in boys cutting at the National High School Finals Rodeo. Now, Bushaw finds himself back in Gillette, Wyoming beginning Sunday, July 16 and running through July 22 with a goal of coming home with the biggest trophy of them all.

Texas High School Rodeo President Ken Bray presents the award for winning rhe state boys cutting championship to Will Bushaw.

"I’m feeling pretty good. My horse was good at state and I’m confident that he will perform well at nationals as well," Bushaw said. "I didn’t do as well as I had hoped last year. Even though I ended up second place I didn’t show as well as I could’ve. This year I hope that I can perform to the best of my abilities and win it all."

Bushaw sealed his return trip with a second consecutive state championship at the Texas High School Finals Rodeo in Abilene last month. He matched his older brother Charles in capturing back-to-back state titles.

"It’s a really cool feeling to follow in his footsteps and be a two time champion. He never won nationals and that’s something I hope I can do," Will said.

Will said having been to nationals last season and leaving with a reserve championship (runner-up) is helping him approach this year's competition with a more relaxed attitude and fewer of the proverbial "butterflies in the stomach."

"Last year I didn’t know what to expect but this year it’s just another show," he said.

Once he returns from nationals, the busy summer will continue for Will. He will be showing at the National Youth Cutting Horse Association Senior Scholarship competition in Fort Worth July 27-29.