“When I finish school, I go live with them. We know each other really good, practice every day and both like to go fast.” The similarities don’t stop there. They’ve both won championships at the high school level in their re - spective provinces. Drake is a two-time and defending heading champion in Saskatchewan while Ross won the Alberta heeling title with brother, Randon, in 2021. And both have plenty of experience competing at the National High School Finals Rodeo. “I’ve gone to nationals every year,” offers Drake. “In my grade ten year, I roped with Colter Dunn and we won the first round and finished third in the world.” by Tim Ellis For the Top
Denim Ross and Clay McNichol. In fact, they posted the fastest time in the championship round that year (2022). But Ross and Drake had formed their bond long before that. “I’ve known him for as long as I can remember,” reveals Ross, who finished 10th at last year’s Nation - al High School Finals Rodeo while roping with sister, Aubrey. “He just turns the steer every single time for first. He’s super easy to travel with and good to be around.” “If I turn one, he’s got it. I don’t have to worry about him,” says Drake in returning compliments towards his heeling partner. “I didn’t have this much won by July last year so it’s been good.”
And who finished fourth in the world that year?
Kavis Drake and Denim Ross, 2023 Maple Leaf Circuit Finals Champions. Chantelle Bowman photo
Canadian Rodeo News – May, 2024 – 19
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