March 29, 2024

Reese is World Reserve Champion

Not to brag, but Hunter Reese, 12, of Osceola became the Reserve World Champion in the senior 11-14-year-old saddle bronc riding division at the Tuff-N-Nuff Miniature Rodeo Association's World Finals, Sunday, Jan. 15, at the International Finals Rodeo in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Reese is in Mr. McWilliams' fourth-grade class at Clarke Community Elementary.

Reese, along with friends Josiah Davis, 4, and Trey Diawara, 14, also of Osceola, traveled to the world finals with the Tuff-N-Nuff Miniature Rodeo out of Dayton.

“Hunter started when he was 3, doing mutton busting at local rodeos,” said his father, Nathan Reese. “When Osceola started the Clarke County Youth Rodeo, I entered Hunter. He was hooked.”

The Davis and Diawara brothers also got started by following in family footsteps.

“I used to high school rodeo along with my sister,” said their mom, Michelle Diawara. “Trey went to the Junior High Nationals Finals in New Mexico for two years. Josiah started at the Clarke County Youth Rodeos at age 2.”

Equipment costs and travel are a major investment, and practice sessions are arduous. Still, it’s a sport that teaches children how to stay focused and persistent, even when the going gets tough.

“[Hunter] has been bucked off, he has been stepped on and he has never given up.” Heather Reese said. “He has the heart!”

The boys love the excitement, but rodeo means more to them as well.

“Sometimes it hurts to fall off,” said Trey Diawara, but he said he keeps getting back up to build his confidence.

He appreciates too that rodeo gives him a reason to travel and make close friends.

“As a mom, you appreciate your bullfighters,” said Heather Reese of the older participants. “In Ames, when Hunter was bucked off his saddle bronc and was about to be stomped, Cody [Hatfield] grabbed him, pulled him back and placed his body over Hunter to protect him. Both came out good because of Cody’s quick reactions.”

Even little Davis knows the value of an older rodeo buddy.

“Now, remember, he’s 4,” laughed his mom. “He says the clowns help him off so he don’t get in the cow poop.”