Greg Cordova to compete at National Junior High Finals Rodeo

By: Ricardo E. Calderón©

Summer is a time for young persons to enjoy their favorite activities. One such person is Greg Cordova, age 14, of Del Rio, Texas who qualified as a member of the Texas National Junior High Rodeo Team who is going to compete in the 2012 National Junior High Finals Rodeo in Gallup, New Mexico during June 24th through June 30th.

Cordova has qualified to compete in two events, Team Roping (heeler) and Breakaway Roping competitions. Cordova placed second place in the Texas Junior High Finals Rodeo held in Gonzales, Texas during May 28th through June 2nd in both Team Roping (heeler) and Breakaway Roping. The top four winners advance to the National s Junior High Finals Rodeo in Gallup, New Mexico.

Cordova has strong ties to Eagle Pass as his parents are former Eagle Passans Pete Cordova and Susan Urteaga-Cordova and his paternal grandparents are Gregorio “Sonny” Cordova and Mary Helen Cordova of Eagle Pass and his maternal grandparents are Roel Urteaga and Dina Urteaga of Eagle Pass, too.

Cordova has been roping since he was seven years old. He was an eighth grader at Radiance Academy in Del Rio and has been promoted to the ninth grade in August of this year. His Team Roping partner is Logan Weeks of Uvalde, Texas, who also qualified for nationals. He credits his success to hard work and lots of practice during the past seven years. He is excited and honored to have qualified for the National Junior High Finals Rodeo and will do his best to win or place high among the over 1,000 national competitors.

Also qualifying for the National Junior High Finals Rodeo are Justin De La Garza of Freer, Texas in Team Roping, Tanner Green of Cotulla, Texas in Team Roping, and Gage Brown of Brackettville, Texas in Goat Tying.

Cordova and over 1,000 contestants will compete for more than $75,000 in prizes and over $100,000 in college scholarships and the honor to be named the National Junior High Finals Rodeo National Champion.