Garner leads steer wrestling

Josh Garner is in good position to defend his California High School Rodeo Association's state steer wrestling title.

The Live Oak cowboy led after the first two go-rounds at the state rodeo in Bishop by a slim margin. Garner clocked 6.19 seconds in his first go-round and 5.22 in the second to lead Tyler Mitchell of District 2, who posted times of 6.2 and 5.83.

Garner then went out Friday morning and timed 6.77 in his third go-round. Mitchell was scheduled to compete in his third go-round later Friday night.

The top 15 cowboys in each event advance to today's short go-round.

Despite a no-time in his second go-round in team roping, Garner and Preston Vandeburgh form Cottonwood are in position to advance to the short go-round, said Garner's mother, Kathy. Garner and Vandeburgh timed 8.42 in their first go-round and a 6.72 in the third.

Garner also appears to have made it to today's short go-round in boys cutting.

Garner also competed in two other events. He failed to ride a bull in each go-round and he had no-time in two of his three tie-down roping go-rounds.

Despite the strong showings, her son does not appear to be in the hunt for the all-around title, Kathy Garner said. That honor looks like it might go to Jeremy Pinheiro from District 7, who is doing well in several events, including saddle bronc riding.

Chant DeForest, from Wheatland, also harbored hopes of contending for the all-around title. After a no-time in his second tie-down roping go-round, DeForest came back with a time of 10.10, which was the best time in the go-round, Kathy Garner said. He timed 14.26 in his first go-round.

DeForest had no times in his first two go-rounds in both steer wrestling and team roping.

DeForest's older brother, C.J., was sitting well in the first two go-rounds of tie-down roping at the College National Finals Rodeo in Casper, Wyo.

C.J. DeForest, who competed for West Hills College this past season, timed 11.3 in the first go-round, tied for 12th, and it tied for seventh in the second go-round with a 10.8. He had no time for the third go-round.