Antonio Montoya, 13, of Medanales, capped off the rodeo season by winning the final rodeo of the year in Lovington, alongside his team roping partner Nataani Garduño of La Plata, New Mexico.
The pair’s victory secured them the New Mexico State Championship Team Roping Buckles through the National High School Rodeo Association Junior High Division (NJHRA). Montoya and Garduño narrowly missed qualifying in the aggregate standings for a trip to the National Junior High Finals Rodeo.
As the rodeo season concludes, Montoya will represent the Española Valley and Northern New Mexico one final time in his role as the National Junior High Rodeo Association vice president, a position he has held throughout the past year. The national leadership role has taken him across the country, helping him grow as a leader, ambassador and role model for youth in rodeo.
“This experience has taught me so much about leadership, responsibility and representing something bigger than myself,” Montoya said. “I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished and proud of my fellow New Mexico contestants who earned their place at nationals.”
Although he will not compete at the National Junior High Finals Rodeo this year, Montoya will be present to support his friends, neighbors and fellow New Mexico qualifiers while taking his final ride in the arena as a national vice president.
Montoya will remain on the national stage the following week as he competes at the National Little Britches Rodeo Finals, having earned qualification through a successful season of competition. He looks forward to continuing his rodeo journey among some of the nation’s best young competitors.
Antonio is the son of Jemuel and Dr. LeAnne Montoya of Medanales and is home schooled.