Maui Boy Captures Jr. Rodeo State Title

By Wendy Osher

Kalama Intermediate School 8th Grader Kanoa Awai-Dickson wins State Tie Down Roping Championship and honor of representing Hawaii at Junior National Finals Rodeo in Gallup, New Mexico on June 26 – July 2, 2011. Courtesy photo by Sam Clark, Rodeo Photos Maui.

Maui brought home a state title in the Jr. State Rodeo Finals.   Kalama Intermediate School eighth grader Kanoa Awai-Dickson won the Tie Down Roping Championship, earning him a spot in the National event taking place in Gallup, New Mexico later this month.

He will be joined by Kalama 6th Grader Emmy Ilgen who qualified in the Girls Breakaway and Goat Tying events.

The national event runs from June 26 to July 2, 2011.  Contestants from 47 states, Canada and Australia will compete for more than $75,000 in prizes and more than $100,000 in college scholarships.

Born and raised in Kula, Dickson competed in five events at the state competition on Oahu held last weekend, 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.”