It's been a busy summer for Comox Valley team ropers Cody and Lucas Falconer.
The duo captured first place at the Canadian High School Rodeo Finals, held Aug. 2-4 in Virden, Man. Winning the first and third go-rounds earned the brothers a saddle each plus some scholarship money.
On July 15-21 they attended the world's largest rodeo – the 64th annual National High School Finals Rodeo at Rock Springs, Wyoming – featuring over 1,500 contestants from four states, five Canadian provinces and Australia.
"The nationals didn't go so great," said Sam Oakford, the boys' mother. "But we went to Cheyenne, Wyoming and won some money, saddle pads and buckles there."
Returning to B.C. the brothers competed at the Aug. 10-12 BCRA Chilliwack Rodeo, where they placed eighth in team roping (out of 64 entries) and Lucas finished sixth (out of 26 entries) in calf roping.
"The boys had a great time," Oakford said, adding that the duo also had their photo taken with Montreal Canadiens' goaltender Carey Price, who during the summer swaps his goalie stick for a lariat and competes in team roping events.
This is Cody's last year on the high school rodeo circuit as he has graduated from G.P. Vanier. Lucas is in Grade 11 at Vanier. This year, the duo placed second in the province (reserve champions) in their event, earning a spot on the nationals and Canadians teams.