EDITOR'S NOTE: The Swnews4u.com Athlete of the Week is a web-only feature that will publish each Thursday or Friday throughout the calendar year.

By A.J. Gates, Herald Independent

Braden Skaife, Jr., River Ridge, steer wrestling
ROCK SPRINGS (WY) – While River Ridge junior Braden Skaife undoubtedly made lifelong memories at last week’s National High School Finals Rodeo, he was ever so close to becoming a World Champion in the process.

Skaife, who competes in steer wrestling in the high school rodeo circuit, advanced to last week’s National Finals in Rock Springs Wyoming after finishing third at the conclusion of the Wisconsin High School Rodeo’s regular season.

Making his second trip to the National Finals, Skaife was determined to make this year’s appearance a memorable one, after finishing 72nd of 106 competitors last season.

Skaife got off to a great start with his first run on Tuesday, posting a time of :04.82, which was the second fastest time of 65 competitors.

His second run on Thursday night was nearly as good, posting a :05.38, which was the sixth fastest time in the second go, and gave him the No. 1 aggregate time of :10.2 going into Saturday’s short go.

Hoping to save the best for last, Skaife was the final competitor in Saturday’s main event, needing a run of seven seconds or faster to become a World Champion. Unfortunately for Skaife, he did not record a time in his final run, as he was unable to position himself for a successful takedown of the steer.

Skaife still finished 13th out of 92 competitors, putting him among the best high school steer wrestlers in the country.