Blair Jones is shown taking down a steer which earned him first place during the Colorado State High School Rodeo Finals in June.

MONTE VISTA — Blair Jones, a 2009 graduate of Monte Vista High School, has earned a position on the Colorado State High School Rodeo team and will be traveling with fellow teammates to Farmington, N.M. July 19-25 to compete at the 61st Annual National High School Rodeo (NHSFR) in Steer Wrestling and Team Roping competitions.

Jones earned a spot on the Colorado national team by winning first place in Steer Wrestling and first place in Team Roping with partner Patton Norrell of Delta at the Colorado State Final in Lamar last month.

Featuring more than 1,500 contestants from 41 states, five Canadian provinces and Australia, the National High Schools Finals is the world’s largest rodeo. In addition to competing for more than $200,000 in prizes, NHSFR contestants will also be vying for $325,000 in college scholarships and the chance to be named the National High School Rodeo National Champion.

To earn this title, contestants must finish in the top 20 after two-go-rounds of intense competition before advancing to Saturday night’s final championship performance.

The NHSFR is scheduled to air on national TV and radio stations around the country (check local listings for times).

Please check www.nhsra.com for possible schedule times and the 2009 NHSRF will air on RFD-TV. In addition, catch all of the NHSRF action live via Horsecity.com on their audio web cast, or visit the website daily for complete results.

For ticket information, call 505-324-5573; or call 505-334-4592 for general information.