‘So stoked’: Lachlan Coleman saddles up for incredible Texas rodeo opportunity
Gympie cowboy Lachlan Coleman has been discovered by a talent scout, and accepted the offer of a rodeo scholarship to a university in Texas, USA. Locals will be able to watch him ride at the Gympie Show Rodeo this Saturday.
Gympie
Don't miss out on the headlines from Gympie. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A Gympie born and bred 18-year-old is bucking his way to the top after being offered a rodeo scholarship to a Texas USA university.
Lachlan Coleman, who has worked at Nolan Meats for the past three years, said he was shocked to receive a call from the Head Rodeo Coach of Odessa College.
“He saw a few videos of me riding and called me offering the scholarship to me,” Lachlan said.
“I was so stoked, I didn’t know what to say.
“I planned on going over but never thought it would happen this soon.”
Lachlan said he had loved the sport of rodeo since he was a child and was excited to be pursuing his passion as a career.
“My dad used to rodeo but stopped before I was born and I was brought up riding horses and living on a farm and I loved going and watching rodeos,” he said.
“Just getting on rank bucking horses, the feeling is amazing.”
The former Gympie State High School student hopes his two-year opportunity in Texas will set him on his way to becoming the “best bronc rider” worldwide.
“My goal is to make it to the NFR which is the Nation Finals Rodeo,” he said.
“I would love to be crowned the world champion bronc rider and this scholarship is a great step in the right direction for me.”
The teenager said while he has been awarded the scholarship for his excellence in rodeo, he would still need to maintain good grades.
“It’s just like going over for football, I have to keep my grades up and if I start failing classes I’m not allowed to rodeo,” he said.
Lachlan will head across the globe in July and said his family was very proud of his achievements.
“Mum is a bit sad that I’m leaving but really happy at the same time,” he said.
Lachlan will be competing in the Gympie Show Rodeo this Saturday.
Mega gallery: Glitz and glam of Gympie Business Awards 2024
The 2024 Gympie Business Awards drew a packed audience, with 320 attendees braving the heat to honour local excellence. See the gallery and list of winners here.
37-year-old man dies in Silverleaf crash, woman flown to hospital
A 37-year-old Cinnabar man has died following a two-vehicle crash in Silverleaf on Sunday morning, while a 48-year-old woman was rescued from the wreckage and flown to hospital.