They were selected to the Wrangler High School All Star Rodeo Team.
Some of the qualifications to get chosen to this group are, they have to be part of the Minnesota High School Rodeo Association, they must have made it to nationals at least once to be selected, and they must be able to help out in the arena.
The Wrangler High School All Star Rodeo Team is fashioned after Wrangler's Champion Pro Rodeo Team. Michael and Jessica were selected to this team because of their leadership abilities, academic eligibility and athletic achievements.
"We are excited to expand Wrangler's rodeo sponsorship program at the high school level," Karl Stressman, special events manager for Wrangler Rodeo, said.
Both Michael and Jessica have made it to the nationals every year since they have started competing in the sport. This year Michael has qualified to make it in four events, and Jessica definitely in two, and she is close in two more.
They both are very dedicated. They must practice anywhere from two to four nights a week, also they must compete almost every weekend, from the start of the season until it ends. Their season starts in the spring, runs through summer and lasts until fall.
Competitions are held throughout the state, in towns like Glenwood, Bemidji, Maynard, Lake Elmo, and Hugo.
There are 142 contestants in the state, but that number will increase to 160 later in the season.
In the national finals 38 states are represented along with four Canadian provinces.
In order to place at nationals, they would have to finish in the top 10 out of 1500. Neither Mike or Jessica have been able to do that yet, but they are hopeful that will change this year.
Both Michael and Jessica have been competing since they were in the ninth grade, and they can compete until they are done with school.
Rodeo is a sanctioned high school sport.