Wilson Creek's Austin Herrera headed NJHFR in Des Moines

DES MOINES, Iowa - Austin Herrera hopes his final appearance at the National Junior High Finals Rodeo is a memorable one.

Austin recently completed his eighth grade year at Wilson Creek and will compete in the goat-tying, chute dogging, tie-down roping and bull riding events.

"He's really hoping to do good in bull riding and then this is his last junior high finals ... He'll be in high school next year," his mother Cassie Herrera said.

Cassie said that bull riding is Austin's specialty and that he first became interested in rodeo when he was five years old.

Despite having years of experience, Cassie said that she still gets nervous when Austin gets ready to ride bulls.

"Yes, but there's nothing I can do," she said.

The NJHFR takes place in Des Moines, Iowa and features around 1,000 contestants from 42 states, five Canadian provinces and Australia.

NJHFR is the world's largest junior high rodeo with over $75,000 worth in prizes.

Contestants must finish in the top 20 to move on to the finals.

"His father and I are really proud of him," Cassie said. "Best of luck to him."