Mound City youth qualified for national bull-riding finals

Colton Byram (Submitted photo)

MOUND CITY -- Colton Byram has qualified for the YBRWF (Youth Bull Riding World Finals) at the Will Rogers Coliseum in Fort Worth, Texas, Aug. 5-7. In February of 2009, he became the KJBA Calf Riding Champion and the Reserve Steer Riding Champion, earning Colton a spot to competing in Fort Worth against cowboys from all across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

There are approximately 30 youth bull-riding associations or organizations bringing their champions and reserve champions from each age division to compete for the title of "World Champion." Byram will be competing in the Junior Steer Riding division. The top 15 cowboys in each age group will then compete in the short round on August 8.

The YBR promotes the idea of "Kids Riding for Kids" and raises awareness and cash donations for a variety of children's health care issues. Since there is not a legitimate governing body that brings these kids together to compete at a level such as the World Series, this is where the YBRWF comes into play. The organization brings the top athletes from around the country ranging in age from 4 to 19 years old together to compete in Mutton Bustin, Calf Riding, Junior Steers, Senior Steers, Pee Wee Bulls and Bull Riding.

Some of Byram's accomplishments include: 2004 MKYRA Mutton Busting Champion, 2004 Mutton Busting World Champion, 2005 MKYRA Mutton Busting Champion, 2006 MKYRA Calf Riding Champion, 2007 MKYRA Calf Riding Champion, 2007 MKYRA Pee Wee All-Around Champion, 2008 MKYRA Calf Riding Champion, 2008 MKYRA Pee Wee All-Around Champion, 2009 KJBA Calf Riding Champion (Winter Series), 2009 KJBA Reserve Steer Riding Champion (Winter Series).

Area businesses sponsoring Byram are as follows: F & M Bank of Mound City, Brownback Auto of Mound City, Carney Auction Service of Bloomfield, Mo., Byram Farms of Sheldon, Mo., Carpenter Chiropractic Health Center of Pleasanton, Linn County Vet Clinic of Centerville, Jones Boots of Sheldon, Farmer's Ag & Grain of Deerfield, Mo., Wrangler's of Sheldon, Reed Dozing of Sheldon, Comstock Farms of Bronaugh, Mo., Fraternal Order of Eagles--Ladies Auxiliary of Nevada, Jr. Eagles of Nevada, Ron Schlitz Auto Sales of Lamar, Mo., Lew & Jan Ware of Sheldon, Chigger's Convenience Store of Sheldon, S2 Cattle Company of Nevada, Mary Alice Wilson of Nevada, First National Bank of Nevada.

Byram is the son of Jeana Brownback of Mound City, Kan., and Keith Byram of Sheldon, Mo.