MANSON — Bailey Barker put together the perfect ending to her high school rodeo career in Iowa recently.

Barker, who graduated this past spring from Manson Northwest Webster and will attend Mid-Plains Community College to continue competing in the fall, claimed two titles at the Iowa High School Rodeo Association State Championships.

By finishing first in breakaway roping and light rifle shooting, she qualifies for the upcoming National High School Rodeo Finals to be held July 14-20 in Rock Springs, Wyo.

“To win the IHSRA breakaway roping was a goal I’ve had set since eighth grade,” Barker said. “Due to COVID in 2020, we weren’t able to make the trip and have junior high nationals in Des Moines, so I knew I needed to set a goal I wanted to make happen by the time I graduated.

“This year, I knew I needed to work as hard as I can to get it accomplished and it finally happened.”

Last year, Barker won the state title in light rifle and was the reserve state champion for breakaway roping.

“I definitely didn’t have the finals performances I wanted to have,” Barker said. “I am very grateful for my horsepower, Honey and Royal. They give me 100 percent every ryn and I am so blessed to be able to have them on my team.”

Barker has served as the student president for the rodeo association the past two years.

Nationals will bring together over 2,000 high school students representing 44 states and five Canadian provinces along with Mexico, New Zealand and Australia.

“Getting to nationals is one of the best experiences and I will forever have the best memories,” she said. “From hanging out during the day to events that are held for us, I have met so many lifetime friends and made so many memories.

“The people I met at nationals from seventh grade to now I still talk to on a daily basis and see at many other big rodeo events during the year.”