Amador County – Hundreds of rodeo riders will mosey into Plymouth next Friday for the 2009 Challenge of Champions Rodeo. The 3-day California High School Rodeo Association is the statewide high school championships and is set for March 20th to 22nd, next Friday through Sunday at the Amador County Fairgrounds. Committee Chairman and Plymouth local, Craig Williams said the Challenge of Champions marks its 12th year in Pokerville and 36th year overall. It spent its first quarter-century at the Cow Palace in San Francisco. Williams said the championship caliber of the contestants shows in their “exceptional athleticism and talent” with a “unique sense of spirit and sportsmanship.” The Challenges features the “top 3 contestants in each event from the 9 high school districts of the association in California.” Williams said the “association’s commitments encourage character building and team involvement, but also place emphasis on education with a required scholastic standing to compete. The event encourages a healthy, competitive spirit while bringing families closer together.” The Jackson Rancheria Casino Hotel & Conference Center is also marking its 12th year as the Challenge of Champions major sponsor. Williams said much community support, including from the Amador County Fair Board, “has made the Challenge a success.” Performances will be announced by nationally know announcers Chad Nicholson and Steve Goddard, along with performances all tree days by famous rodeo clown, Clint Sylvester, also known as “Wolfie.” On Saturday the “trick riding and roping group, Riata Ranch Cowboy Girls, will perform. The Riata Girls’ mission is “Empowering young people by building positive life skills, provide a safe and effective environment in which to learn and change lives by making good kids great citizens.” On Sunday, the award winning California Cowgirls Drill Team will appear. Cargill Incorporated and its six division, including Nutrena, has become a statewide sponsor for the Special Rodeo program, which allows the Challenge to share the sport of rodeo with young people with special needs. Friday’s cutting competition starts at 7 a.m. with the “final go” to follow. The rodeo performance is 6 p.m. Friday. On Saturday, the Special Rodeo is at 11 a.m. and the rodeo begins at 1 p.m. Sunday starts with Cowboy Church at 10 a.m., followed by rodeo finals at noon, with award presentations to follow. Admission is $8, with kids under age 6 free. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.