Sarah Bruun: rodeo star in our midst

Sophomore Sarah Bruun cuts a sharp turn as she practices her polebending. (Photo submitted by Sarah Bruun)

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December 22, 2008 • written by Kathryn Nekola, Staff Writer  
Filed under Feature

        Students join activities in high school to express interest and meet new people. While some girls are trying out for the basketball team or auditioning for the winter musical, sophomore Sarah Bruun is riding horses and participating in rodeos.

        Bruun has been competing in rodeos for three years. However, she has been riding since she was two.

        “I was just raised with them and just kind of started riding,” Bruun said.

        Her parents Charles and Mary Bruun are active supporters of their daughter’s passion for riding horses. They think that being raised around horses will be beneficial for Bruun in the future.

        “It teaches her responsibility and discipline,” Charles Bruun said.

        Sarah practices everyday for her numerous rodeo events. Her events include barrels, poles and breakaway roping. Daily practice helps Sarah prepare for competitions.

        Both Sarah and her mother consider competitions to be a good way for her to make friends outside of school. The competitors talk and encourage each other between events.

        “There’s a lot of friends involved,” Sarah said.

        Sarah and her horses mainly compete in rodeos in the spring, and have daily practices throughout the year.

        After high school, Sarah intends to go to college and pursue competing in rodeo.

        “I want to go to college at either Dickinson State or South Dakota State,” Sarah said. “Both have strong rodeo programs.”

        Sarah may pursue a career in rodeo, but is also interested in having a career in the medical field.

        Occasionally, Sarah has scheduling conflicts in the spring when she participates in track alongside rodeo. Her parents think she successfully balances her activities without stress.

        “There’s a conflicting schedule sometimes, but she handles the pressure well,” Charles said.

        Mary believes that rodeo is a wonderful opportunity for Bruun and both Sarah and Mary look forward to the future.

        While many students hope their sports or art activities will follow them into the future, Sarah dreams of competing in rodeos for years to come.