Pahrump’s Hardy takes home 2 buckles from state finals rodeo

Pahrump Valley High School junior Tye Hardy won buckles in bull riding and saddle bronc riding at the Nevada State High School Rodeo Association finals, which ended Tuesday in Winnemucca.

Hardy, who already had qualified for nationals in both events, finished in second place in bull riding after the state finals and third in saddle bronc riding. He will compete in both events at the nationals in July in Rock Springs, Wyoming.

Mia Krebs, Taylor Clasen, Kyrstyn Peugh and Raelean Sutton also competed in the state finals representing Pahrump Valley, with Sutton qualifying for the Silver State International Rodeo to be held July 2-7 in Winnemucca.

Competitors finishing fifth through 15th in the state in their events qualify for that 33-year-old competition, and Sutton made it in trap shooting and rifle shooting and also will compete in pole bending.

“It was a good time, and all the kids had fun and represented Pahrump,” said Buddy Krebs, Pahrump Valley’s rodeo director. “It’s really remarkable, in our first year back, having a kid make it to nationals in bronc riding and bull riding and have another make it to Silver State in trap and .22 and pole bending.”

Krebs is hoping the success of the revived program will lure more competitors out next season. Only a couple are graduating, eight will return and there is an unlimited number of places available for newcomers, he said.

“Next year I think we’re adding three or four junior high kids and at least one or two high school kids,” Krebs said. “We would like more.”

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