Freshman Madison Wilkerson led valley competitors in the Jackson Hole High School Rodeo at the rodeo grounds last weekend.

The high school barrel racer placed second and third in barrels and fifth in pole bending in two days of competition. Going into the third weekend of rodeo in the 2012-13 season, Wilkerson was ranked first in the state in barrel racing and 10th in pole bending.

Wilkerson competes independently from the Jackson Hole High School rodeo team that organized and hosted the third and final high school rodeo of the fall season.

The 2012-13 Wyoming rodeo season will resume in April and end in June with the Wyoming High School Rodeo Association State Finals in Douglas.

Competitors traveled from across Wyoming, Montana and Colorado to compete in the event.

Junior Keith Holmes and partner Deena Norell, a junior from Meeker, Colo., placed fifth in the team roping competition Saturday. Holmes’ goal is to make it to nationals. To accomplish that, he must qualify for state and then finish in the top four at the state finals rodeo.

Sophomores Justin Rowe and Levi Wilson placed ninth in Sunday’s team roping.

Junior Sydney Judge took ninth in pole bending Saturday and 15th in barrels.

“I was really happy with how I did,” she said.

Judge loves barrel racing for the adrenaline, she said, and because it is in her blood.

Barrel racing can also draw blood, Judge said.

Last spring, she hit a barrel and cut through her jeans into her thigh.

Sophomore Claire Andrews was just behind Judge in Saturday’s pole bending, ending in 12th.Sophomore Kateri Van Patten was 12th in barrels.

Lee Judge, the adult sponsor for the high school team, said, “This rodeo would not have taken place in Jackson without the hard work, fundraising and dedication of the kids on the team. They definitely deserve credit and recognition. It’s a huge event to pull off.”