Delegates of the Association of Rodeo Enthusiast in Visca (AREV) brought home the bacon as they were hailed champions for the Casting Down Large Cattle (Student Men category) and bagged other awards in the 2023 Rodeo National Finals during the 27th Rodeo Festival held at Masbate City, April 11-15.
Guided by their coach and adviser, Mr. Michael Dominic Garrido, MSc, the team that competed against cowboys and cowgirls from all over the country comprised of 14 AREV members, namely, Daryl Millapez (President/Team Captain), Ira Jay Tanza (Team Manager), Redence Fernandez II, Jaiah Mae Quirante, Mary Rhona Sumaya, Zayra Hannah Tagud, Genghis Martinez, Jessie Arpoceple, Hermogenes Castones II, Jan Marc Furnis, Jonel Varron Francis Montajes, Ryan Laniba, and Deutag Garcia.
Photo courtesy of The Ranch
Aside from the championship title, AREV also landed other podium finishes as they placed first for the Lassoing from Horseback (Student Women category) and Load Carrying (Student Women category) with also a Special Award on Exhibition for Casting/Wrestling Large Cattle (Student Women category).
Further, the team also placed fourth in the 4-person Carambola and 2-person Carambola (Student Men and Student Women categories) and On Foot Lassoing/Wrestling Student Women category).
In an interview with Amaranth, Dr. Julius Abela, adviser and founder of AREV who also accompanied the team, said joining the National Rodeo Finals required the members their courage, discipline, and determination, but it also gave them the opportunity to apply their skills in restraining the “wildest” small and large animals.
“It aims to enhance the students’ participation and exposure to national rodeo competitions, which include novice and professional players, with the ultimate goal of promoting the livestock industry in the countryside,” Dr. Abela said.
Moreover, according to a Facebook post by the Department of Animal Science (DAS), AREV’s experience at the National Rodeo Finals also serves as a preparation for their own local rodeo with the Livestock Challenge, Poultry Show, and Barn Dance, to be held on April 28, in time for the anniversary celebrations.
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