Dozens of students compete in Coastal Challenge Rodeo in Lake Waccamaw

LAKE WACCAMAW, NC (WWAY) — Dozens of students from across North Carolina competed in a rodeo this weekend in Lake Waccamaw.

The North Carolina High School and Junior High School Rodeo Association hosted the Coastal Challenge Rodeo at the Benton/BTS Arena and Exhibition Center. Elementary, junior high and high school students competed in several different events such as bareback riding, goat tying, bull riding and more. The rodeo association offers an outlet for youth to compete in something other than traditional sports. The organization claims they provide life lessons from winning and losing, the value of hard work and the responsibility of taking care of animals.

According to Lanie Estes, the North Carolina High School Rodeo Association Queen, the sport of rodeo can bring a lot to a community.

“Rodeo itself is such an eccentric atmosphere, it’s just such an adrenaline rush and so amazing, and it’s also just a really great connection. This being my senior year, it’s given me the opportunity to have so many friends and make new experiences.”

The event took place on both Friday and Saturday with dozens in attendance for the various events.