Norell shines at rodeo

MEEKER I Local cowboys and cowgirls have competed in the annual Range Call rodeo for 127 years and this year Meeker was well represented by Cynda Norell. She won the break-away calf roping with a fast time of 2.7 seconds.
Norell is a name synonymous with rodeo as there have been Norells atop the leader board for three generations. She is modest about her accomplishments, though. Few know Norell was a four-time state champion in the goat tying event in high school, competing in Wyoming as the travel was less extreme than Colorado. She competed in goat tying, barrel racing and break-away in high school and her success won her a scholarship to Vernon College in Texas. After completing the two year program there, she competed for Carlton State College in Stevensville, Texas. She enjoyed a great deal of success in college and currently competes in the Colorado Professional Rodeo Association.
The CPRA begins in June and winds down in August with the state finals in Grand Junction in September. Norell is in the top 10 in break-away roping in the circuit, as well as one of the top mixed team ropers. She travels every weekend and competes in two to three rodeos per weekend. She consistently wins a check in at least one event and looks to qualify for the finals in multiple events.
During the week, Norell works for Mountain Valley Bank, but rodeo is in her blood. It has been a big part of her life as it has been in the Norell family for years. In spite of her accomplishments, Norell’s laid-back, friendly demeanor is deceiving because when she backs into a roping box, or turns her horse loose in the goat tying competition, she is a fierce competitor who has made a name for herself in the CPRA and the Meeker Range Call rodeo.