Tiffany Lawrence is one of our young barrel racers that many of you have known for years. She began riding at about age 2 and competing on a pony named Peanut at the seasoned age of 6 .

Now a sophomore at Connors State College, she’s doing quite well in the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA) Central Plains Region standings, currently leading with 205 points. The sophomore won the short-go and the average of the NIRA Rodeo at Northwestern State University this past weekend, which put her in the lead.

Lawrence is especially thankful to the great horses she has and to Connors State College for providing her with a rodeo scholarship so that she can continue her education. According to Tiffany, competing “has been the best experience of my life, being a part of the Connors State College rodeo team. Everyone is there for each other and we get a lot of support from our coaches.” She’s also grateful to sponsors that make rodeo available to college students.

Lawrence will graduate from Connors State College in May 2009 with an associate degree in business administration. The daughter of Stephanie Lawrence of Ada and Charles Lawrence Jr. of Coweta is still undecided as to where she will attend college her junior year.

The first timed event rodeo of the fall is scheduled for the King’s Pen Arena in Inola this weekend. Books open at 7 p.m. and rodeo starts at 8 p.m. All entry fees are $40. Events are youth barrels, open barrels, breakaway (boys-15-and-under and women), goat tying, calf roping, steer wrestling, and team roping. There will be a $5 admission for adults and $3 for children ages 3 to 12.

On Saturday, the King’s Pen will offer a $500 Added (if over 30 entries) barrel race. They have been having 50-plus racers. Exhibitions start at 10 a.m. and jackpot at noon. Entry fee is $30. Contact Diana Shoop at dianashoop@tds.net for more information on happenings at the King’s Pen.

The Barton’s are back with team roping this weekend. The Double D Indoor Arena in Poteau is Friday with a #12, #10 with #8 incentive combined drawpot, enter one draw two for $30 or draw all three. A $20 saddle fee is required. Books open at 7 p.m. and close at 8 p.m.

On Saturday, the Barton’s will be at Hilltop Arena in Muskogee with two team ropings. First is a #12 Picked Partner. Books open at 3 p.m. and close at 4 p.m., four for $60, three runs guaranteed, places paid in the rounds, capped at #8. A drawpot will follow. It will be a #11, #9 with #7 Incentive. Enter one draw two or draw all three for $30, capped at #7. A $5 prize fee is required. For more information on the Barton’s ropings call 463-3269 or 616-9269.

Arena sorting is at the Ward’s Hillbilly Ranch & Arena on Saturday evening. Books open at 7 p.m. and sorting starts at 7:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome, even if you have never sorted a steer before. It’s free if you just want to go watch. Call Rick or Gail for directions or more information at 682-2581 or 684-7026

Don’t forget the Muskogee horse sale tonight and Parrish horse sale tomorrow night.

Rhonda Stewart’s rodeo column appears every Thursday. You can reach Rhonda at 869-1498 or rayandrhon@netzero.net with rodeo news.