Newport High duo qualifies for National High School Rodeo Finals

Full caption: Newport High seniors Louden Zwarg and Kole Keogh are headed to the National High School Finals Rodeo after strong performances at the Washington State High School Rodeo Finals held May 21-24 at the Walla Walla County Fairgrounds. Zwarg placed third out of 61 competitors in team roping (90 points) and fifth out 21 competitors in tie-down roping (67 points), claiming two spots at nationals. Keogh secured a trip to nationals after finishing third in bareback bronc riding with a total of 56 points. The National High School Finals Rodeo will be held July 19-25 at Sandhills Global Event Center in Lincoln, Neb., and will feature top qualifiers from across the United States and beyond competing for national titles. For the two brothers, the accomplishment comes during their final year at Newport High, capping off years of dedication to the sport and countless hours spent training and competing throughout the region. The standout duo's success continues a strong tradition of rodeo competition in the area and gives Newport another pair of athletes to cheer for as they prepare for the national spotlight this summer.