December 28, 2020
By: Bill Conger
D.C.H.S. Freshman Riley Fuson is the Middle Tennessee Junior Rodeo All-Around Cowboy. He won the award in the age 11-14 bracket on December 5 in Sparta.
“I have been working hard for years but always fell short,” Fuson said. “This year it was my goal to win the saddle. I had to practice a little harder and had to try harder against all of the competitors.”
Riley, the 14-year-old son of Tracy and Stephanie Fuson of Liberty, competed in seven events, taking first place in both Flank and Tie and Dally Ribbon Roping Roper, 2nd place in Steer Stopping, 4th place in both the Poles and Chute dogging.
“I have been roping since I was 3 years old,” Fuson says. “I got into the sport because of my love for horses and going to rodeos.”
Fuson puts time into practicing roping like any other sport.
“Roping the dummy and going to a practice pen to rope calves with other ropers is an important part of roping. I also ride my horses on a regular basis.”
Fuson also competed in the Senior Division (age 14-18) of the Tri-Star Little Britches Rodeo in Lebanon in Team Roping, Tie-down Roping and Ribbon Roping.
“My next goal is to win a spot to the National Little Britches Rodeo Finals in Oklahoma.”