Alva Review-Courier -

LARAMIE, Wyo. (AP) — Clad in ornate chaps, protective vests and straw cowboy hats, little cowpokes crowded the Albany County Fairgrounds bucking chute return, anxiously eyeing the horned beasts to their left and right.

Cowboys and cowgirls, aged 8-18, cooled their nerves with idle chatter and last minute advice about what could be the most important eight seconds of their summer.

Silence fell over spectator and participant alike, hats were placed over hearts and heads bowed as the national anthem filled the arena, kicking off the Laramie Jubilee Days Junior Bull Riding Rodeo.

All eyes focused...