Mount Ayr Record-News
Mount Ayr, Ringgold County, Iowa
Thursday, June 11, 2015, Page 13

Local youth qualify for nationals in roping

Payton Weehler, son of Jill and Neil Weehler of Maloy, and Houston Stephens, son of Jamie and Brad Stephens of Glenwood, were among top winners in the Memorial Day State Junior High rodeo in Marshalltown.

The cousins, grandsons of Steve and Cheryl Taylor of Mount Ayr, have roping in their blood. Both of their moms, aunt, cousins and grandfather Steve have national wins in rodeo.

Payton won the break-away roping and placed fourth in ribbon roping as well as receiving the prestigious Rookie of the Year award.

Houston went away with reserve champion in break-away roping as well as second place in team roping with his cousin Payton as his partner.

Along with a great run at the rodeo, Payton's horse Hershey also received an honor. He was declared Horse of the Year.

The cousins both qualified for nationals which will be held in Des Moines June 21-27.

Photograph courtesy of Mount Ayr Record-News
Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, October of 2015