BRIGHTON — The Eastern Indian Rodeo Association’s 2017 season wrapped up the weekend of July 7-9 with a regional competition and banquet, but the work isn’t done yet for some of its riders.

Adults and youth qualified to compete at the 42nd Annual Indian National Finals Rodeo that will be held Nov. 7-11 at South Point Arena in Las Vegas.

“It was a great year. We had good participation,” said EIRA president Josh Jumper.

Especially encouraging was the turnout on the youth level throughout the season.

“We were probably between 70 and 100 kids. It’s probably one of the biggest sporting events we have for the kids,” said Jumper’s father, Moses Jumper Jr.

“Seems like we’re building back up again. The kids are getting into it again,” Josh Jumper said. “We’re going to send a good crew of kids [to INFR].”

Jumper’s advice to the rookies who will make their INFR debuts:

“Just go out there and do your best,” he said. “That’s a big stage for those kids to be in as far as being in Vegas and the lights and the sound system and people watching them. Go out there and do your best and try to take one go at a time.”

The regionals at Fred Smith Rodeo Arena provided one final chance for a competitor – adult or youth – to turn an average season into a memorable one.

“A guy can have a bad year and turn around and win the average this weekend and go to Vegas,” Jumper said.

Congratulations, EIRA riders, on qualifying for INFR

Jacoby Johns — Brighton
Bare Back Riding

Blevyns Jumper — Big Cypress
Steer Wrestling

Naha Jumper — Big Cypress
Calf Roping

Connor Osborn — Oklahoma
Calf Roping

Ahnie Jumper — Big Cypress
Lady’s Breakaway Roping

Trina Hipp — Brighton
Lady’s Breakaway Roping

Josh Jumper & Naha Jumper — Big Cypress
Team Roping

Jason Baker & Caitlin Tommie — Brighton
Team Roping

Ashley Parks — Davie
Lady’s Barrel Racing

Jo “Boogie” Johns — Brighton
Lady’s Barrel Racing

Kelton Smedley —Brighton
Bull Riding

Madisyn Osceola — Brighton
INFR Jr. Breakaway Roping & Barrel Racing

Budha Jumper — Big Cypress
INFR Jr. Barrel Racing

Jaylen Baker — Brighton
INFR Jr. Bull Riding

Norman Osceola — Brighton
INFR Jr. Bull Riding

Norman “Dad” Johns — Brighton
Sr. Breakaway Roping