Kellen Fred, 14, of Tumalo, became a bareback champion at the Oregon Junior High Rodeo over Memorial Day weekend at the Brasada Ranch.

Fred, son of Ryan and Debbie Crannelle Fred of Tumalo, has been participating in rodeos since last fall with the organization.

“None of us have been in rodeos,” Debbie Fred said of the family, “but we’ve all ridden horses. He was looking for his passion and his friend was in the rodeo group and he wanted to try it. It really helped him build confidence.”

Kellen qualifies for the Junior High National Rodeo in Perry, Ga., June 19-24. He also ranked 13th in chute doggin’ to qualify for the Silver State International rodeo in Winnemucca, Nev.