Sweet finishes up rodeo career

Hannah Gross
NLJ Correspondent 
 
Sara Sweet has been rodeoing since she was a young girl, and even though she doesn’t plan on continuing after high school, she’s enjoyed the memories she’s made in the past. 
“I rodeo because it’s fun and my family has done it for a long time,” the 2020 Newcastle High School graduate said. 
Sweet grew up on a ranch and loves pole bending, and her greatest accomplishment took place at her final Weston County Junior Rodeo in 2019, where she won her second “all-around cowgirl” saddle as a senior girl. Her first saddle was won in 2012 in the junior division. 
“My favorite event is pole bending. It’s just more thrilling than barrels and more fun to compete in,” Sweet said. “My biggest accomplishments have been winning two saddles.”
Sweet’s mom, Marissa, said that it’s been fun to watch Sara grow into “a great competitor who works hard,” as well as someone who is involved with her community. Her grandmother Jeri Tapp said that Sara shows good sportsmanship, is easygoing and doesn’t brag about her accomplishments. 
“Sara makes us proud every day, as she was very involved with her school and community. She’s a kind, fun girl,” Marissa said. 
Tapp said that Sara is considerate, honest, kind, has a good sense of humor and is an all-around “delightful girl.” 
“I can’t say enough nice, loving things about the child,” Tapp said. “She’s just a loving girl and a lot of fun.”
Sara said that she loves the rodeo lifestyle not only because is it something she’s grown up with but also because she enjoys being around the people. 
“Rodeo people really are the best kind of people,” Sara said. 
As Sara closes this chapter of high school and rodeo and moves on to college, she will be studying elementary education and agricultural business, according to Marissa. 
“I see her being a great teacher. I hope she learned to be kind and always help people in need,” Marissa said. 
Tapp said that she believes Sara will be successful in college. But, she said, she will miss her while she’s gone. 
“I’m going to miss her a bit,” Tapp said. 
Even though Sara said she won’t continue to rodeo in college, her advice to the younger competitors is to “just have fun.”
“It’s not all about the winning but the friends and memories you make while doing it,” she said.