PHS graduate to compete for college rodeo team

WARNER — Former Osage County prep standout Zalin Edwards has earned a spot on the Connors State College rodeo team.

Edwards, a 2014 graduate of Pawhuska High School, is expected to compete for the CSU Cowboys in calf roping, team roping and steer wrestling. The freshman from Fairfax also is pursuing an Associates of Science degree in Agriculture from the two-year state college.

In addition to traveling to fall competitions against collegiate squads in the Oklahoma/Kansas region, the Connors State team recently hosted Alumni and Friends Timed-Event Rodeo and Horse Show. This spring, CSC team members will compete in each rodeo event for a chance of advancing to the College National Finals Rodeo in Casper, Wyo.

Edwards was a two-year standout for the Huskies on the football field, the wrestling mat and the baseball diamond. He earned all-district honors in football and was a two-time state qualifier in wrestling. At the annual Pawhuska Cavalcade, Edwards claimed a 2012 team roping title and was a calf-roping champion in 2014.

During his freshman and sophomore seasons, Edwards helped Woodland High School to the 2010 Class A state football championship and a runnerup finish in 2011. As a senior, he was recognized as a scholar athlete by the Jim Thorpe Association. He also was chosen to participate in last summer’s Oklahoma Coaches Association All-State Football Game.

PHS coach Brian Edwards, his father, said Zalin is still considering the possibility of continuing his baseball career.

The Connors State rodeo team opens its 2015 schedule in February at Kansas State University and will compete in other Kansas rodeos at Fort Scott, Garden City, Hays and Arkansas City. Oklahoma competitions are slated in Durant, Goodwell and Weatherford. The CSC Equine Program and rodeo team will host an Equine and Friends Gathering on March 28.

Jake Lawson coaches the rodeo team at Connors and Jake Walker is the assistant coach. Facilities on the Warner campus include a 100-by-250 foot indoor arena and a 150-by-300 foot outdoor arena. More information is available from the school’s website at connorsstate.edu.