Kula, Hawaii — Maui brought home a state title last weekend at the Hawaii Junior High School Finals Rodeo where Kalama 8th Grader Kanoa Awai-Dickson won the Tie Down Roping Championship, qualifying him to compete at the Junior High School National Finals Rodeo in Gallup, New Mexico on June 26 – July 2, 2011.

Kanoa Awai-Dickson Wins Rodeo Title

Born and raised in Kula, Dickson competed in five events at the state competition on Oahu, earning a National Finals berth in Chute Dogging, Goat Tying, Dally Team Roping and Tie Down. “We have some awesome rodeo talent on our island and I’m proud to be able to represent Hawaii,” said Dickson. “This is my last year in the Junior Division and I have my sights on the National title. Hawaii deserves it and I’m working hard to make it happen.”

Dickson will be joined in Gallup by Kalama Intermediate 6th grader Emmy Ilgen who qualified in the Girls Breakaway and Goat Tying events.

Founded in 1949, the High School National Finals Rodeo is the super bowl of rodeo for junior and high school students worldwide. More than 1,000 contestants from 47 states, Canada and Australia convene at the end of each season to compete for more than $75,000 in prizes and over $100,000 in college scholarships.

High school and junior rodeo on Maui is made possible through generous donations and support from Peter Baldwin and Piiholo Ranch, Katie and Emiliano Achaval, Henry Rice and Kaonoulu Ranch, Maui Roping Club, Haleakala Ranch, Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa, Maui Electric, Sam Clark Photography and countless volunteers.