Two Lingleville students are headed to Las Vegas after qualifying for some of the toughest rodeo competitions in the country.
LHS Sophomore Alexa Aviles is competing in the Junior World Finals in Pole Bending Thursday, Dec. 11 and Friday, Dec. 13. Those wanting to catch the action can see it on The Cowboy Channel.
Aviles, who has been competing in the arena since she was 7, qualified after competing at the Money and Beaches barrel racing and pole bending qualifier at Hamilton in May.
“Honestly, we had such a great run and jumped to the top of the leader board, and I was happier about our time and that run than being focused on qualifying for Vegas,” said Aviles. “My Papi (dad) on the other hand, held his breath until the very last runner. My whole family was just so excited. We are looking forward to our first trip to Vegas.”
Aviles said pole bending is the favorite event for her and her horse, Midnight. Since qualifying, she has been trying to keep Midnight in shape and preparing herself mentally. She said the qualification happened so early in the year that every other event has been practice for the Junior World Finals.
“I don’t want the pressure or nerves and anxiety to get to me,” Aviles said. “I’m trying to think of it as just another run. I know we’re capable of competing at this level and I want to do my best to keep myself and my horse relaxed.”
When not in the arena, she likes to play volleyball and hang out with friends and family. This includes trail rides with family members that help to bond her and Midnight outside competition. Aviles said she is very grateful to her parents and sponsors.
LHS Sophomore Lane Walker is competing in the Vegas Tuffest Competition in 15U tie down roping on Dec. 6 and 8.
Results can be watched on the Vegas Tuffest tab on johnsonsportline.com.His bid came on the back of an 11 second run at the Hamilton qualifier. Walker said he went to a lot of competitions in the summer and practiced a lot of repetition for the season. “My biggest challenge this season was learning how to flank my calf correctly in my runs,” he said.
“I was extremely excited when I knew I qualified for Vegas this season,” said Walker. “I’ve been in the sport for six years following in the footsteps of my dad, Whit Walker and grandfather Jeff Walker.”
Walker has been practicing a lot through the week and going to rodeos every Friday night in preparation for Vegas.
He also qualified for the Hooey Junior Patriot event in Fort Worth in March 2025 and plans to go pro when he turns 18.