Thursday, March 28, 2024

Local cowboys to compete in national rodeo

rodeo2Johnson County will be well represented at the High School Nationals Finals Rodeo in Rock Springs, Wyoming July 14 through 20.

Two locals teens, Tucker Francis, son of Keith “Weiner” and Joey Francis of Tunnel Hill and Dylan Wisocki, son of Bobbi Pippins of Buncombe, are both bull riders that have qualified to compete with the best at the nations largest rodeo.

Only the top four contestants in each event from forty-three states, Australia and Canada will be there to show off their talents.

Tucker recently became the Illinois State Finals Champion in Altamont. Dylan was injured at the state finals but did very well previously in the year which kept him up in the point standings to earn his spot.

Several fundraisers have been organized to help Tucker and Dylan with their travel and lodging expenses. They will be having a bake sale at the Southern Gardens Shopping Center in Vienna Saturday, June 29, from 8 a.m. until ???. El Tequila in Vienna will hold a fundraising night Wednesday, July 3, from 5 p.m. till 9 p.m. with a portion of the sales going to help the boys.

Tucker and Dylan will also be in the July 4th parade and have a booth set up at the Village Park in Goreville for the Freedom Fest.

If you are interested in making a donation or have any questions please feel free to contact Joey Francis at 618-771-6835.