Two JUSD elementary school students have proven themselves to be up-and-coming rodeo stars.
Clayton Niehaus, a sixth-grader at Stone Avenue Elementary, and Alejandro Ruiz Rivera, a Peralta Elementary School fourth-grader, recently earned impressive honors in bull riding and roping championships.
Clayton, who is 12, has numerous sheep and bull-riding wins under his belt – and some impressive prize belt buckles to prove it. He started riding sheep (mutton-bustin’) when he was about 5 or 6, and has since moved on to “mini-bulls.” He is currently ranked third in the AK Bucking Bulls organization for his age category. His mother and older sister also are active in the rodeo.
Clayton has a busy rodeo season ahead but said his favorite is “My hometown rodeo, Jurupa Valley.” He looks forward to a rodeo career.
Photo Courtesy of Stacy Niehaus
Alex, 10, is an award-winning roper and participates in “charreria” events. He recently took first place at the Mexican Federation of Charreria 2024 Southern State Championship for Young Children, which took place in Arizona.
Alex said he’s been roping since he was two years old and brings his cow Lola to competitions. He’s also roped bulls and horses. The hardest part of the sport, he said, is doing tricks with the rope. He hopes to make a career of his showmanship and said he hopes to join family members who perform with Grammy Award-winning signer Pepe Aguilar.
“I’m so proud of Alex,” his teacher, Lisa Cook said.
We look forward to seeing what’s next for these JUSD cowboys!
