Garfield/Palouse senior to compete in bull riding at high school nationals

Garfield/Palouse High School student Jordan Paddock has qualified for Washington's National High School rodeo team and will soon compete in bull riding at the national high school finals July 15-21 in Rock Springs Wyo. Paddock will be among nearly 1,700 contestants from 43 states and four different countries to compete for more than $350,000 in college scholarships. He finished fourth for bull riders in Washington this year in

Paddock's draw to bull riding began at a young age when he went with his family to the Palouse Empire rodeo.

"I really like things that test your mental and physical strength," Paddock explained. "I've always wanted to do something that not many people can do."

Paddock finally got the go-ahead from his parents to ride a bull in eighth grade.

"I begged my mom every night for three months," Paddock said. "Finally, she said 'You gotta understand the danger this sport holds, but I'm here for whatever support you need.'"

Paddock said he's been training just about every weekend since then by practicing on mechanical "bucking barrels" around Colfax or traveling to Royal City to ride the real thing.

Paddock had his first shot at the nationals last year, but was bucked early in both rides. This year could be redemption.

"It would mean the world to me to win it all. You'd probably see me bawling my eyes out on stage," he laughed.

Paddock said he plans to land a spot on a rodeo team in college and one day go pro.

"I'll have my degree to fall back on, but I'm hoping to make this into a career," Paddock said.