By Evelyn White
The Cajun Little Britches Rodeo Club held their yearly awards ceremony on Saturday, May 22, at 7 p.m. at the Exhibition Hall in DeRidder. Awards were presented to winners for the rodeo season.
Trace Watkins, son of Jamie and Travis Watkins, placed in several events. He also qualified for the National Little Britches Rodeo to be held in Guthrie, Okla. starting July 4. Watkins won “Rookie of the Year” Award for the Junior Boy’s Division. He also won 4th in Jr. Boy’s Healing. His partner, Brayson Manuel won 3rd in Jr. Boy’s Heeling.
Trace and his partner Ally Earl placed 5th and 4th in Junior Ribbon Roping.
His winnings included two buckles, a rope bag, a halter and lead rope, and a gift certificate for a pair of boots.
At the Wagon Wheel Rodeo Club Awards, Trace won two buckles, a bridle, a saddle pad, and a hay bag.
Jace, Trace’s younger brother, won three buckles, a bucket, Toy Beyer Horse, and a halter.
Cooper Goza, son of Jerry and Jennifer Pinder Goza, placed 4th in Little Wrangler Barrels; 6th in Little Wrangler Flag Racing; 5th in Little Wrangler Pole Bending; and was the Little Wrangler Goat Tieing Champion.
Trace and Cooper are both qualifiers for the National Little Britches Rodeo.
