Dan Eyrich, AP Sports; Photos submitted
Erie High School senior Addison Wiersema has signed a letter of intent to be a part of the Fort Hays State University Rodeo team next fall. The school held a signing ceremony for her recently in the EHS Media Center. The signing to compete in college rodeo is a first for an EHS student.
The 18-year-old got her start in rodeo when she was in junior high taking after her father who competed in the sport when he was in high school. She has qualified for Illinois High School State Rodeo Finals all four years of high school and earned her way to national finals three different times. Wiersma has served as the student president of the IHSRA for the past two years.
She found her way to Fort Hays starting with a visit with school representatives at the national rodeo finals her freshman year of high school. FHSU offers a regional tuition discount which includes Illinois and that combined with a good marketing program helped her make the decision.
The school’s rodeo coach reached out to Wiersema a few months ago saying she was at the top of his list of several athletes who had shown interest in the school. He offered the senior a performance-based scholarship to start, which also includes free boarding for her horse, Deuce, and other fees associated with competition and travel. The school is located in Hays, Kansas.
The school’s website states, “The Fort Hays State University Rodeo Club and Team started in 1964 has provided students with valuable opportunities to hone their skills in an arena environment. Coach Guy Forell has led the team into its 58th year, continuing the education and entertainment experiences that rodeo provides.”
Wiersema plans on competing in team roping and breakaway roping although she has competed in barrel racing and goat tying as well with team roping being her favorite.
She is the daughter of Sam and Kasey and competes along side her sister Shelby, who is a junior at Erie High School.
