A pair of Palmetto High School students will be representing Manatee County at the 2012 National High Schools Finals Rodeo this summer.

Lucas Brasfield, 16, is like many teenagers his age who grew up playing baseball, soccer and basketball.

But a few years ago, he took an interest in something that is now his passion: rodeo.

Brasfield has no background in horses or roping.  He didn't grow up on a farm or near any horses, and both of his parents work in the medical field. 

But when his parents moved from St. Petersburg to Parrish a few years ago, he met his neighbors, who introduced him to the rodeo experience.  He credits them with helping him develop his passion for riding.

“Mostly my neighbors like Wade and Cady," Brasfield said. "Going to school with Cady and getting interested in it.”

Cady Cooper grew up riding horses and being around rodeos. She said that since she met Brasfield, she's been helping him improve his skills.  The pair practice three hours a day, rain or shine.

"I’m a little bit jealous of him because he just came in here like it was so easy," Cooper said. "He’s done really well this year and I’m really proud of him."

Brasfield's parents are also impressed.

"It’s a phenomenal opportunity to be doing this," mother Valerie Brasfield said.

Brasfield said that when her son first expressed an interest in riding, they didn't want to buy him his own horse. They had no experience with rodeo and they weren't sure what the future would hold, so they agreed to let him ride bulls.

After his foray into bull-riding resulted in an injury and two surgeries, Brasfield's parents decided to get him a horse.

Now Brasfield competes in bulldogging, where the rider uses his horse to wrestle steers.

Even though he hasn't had many years of experience, he's doing quite well. He recently made the top four in the state high school rodeo competition, and he is now on his way to compete in the National High School Finals Rodeo in Wyoming in July.

"I made it in bulldogging, so that’s pretty good," Brasfield said. "It’s my first year doing high school rodeo."

Cooper also qualified for nationals. She will compete in breakaway roping.

Cooper said she's very proud of their accomplishments.

"It’s like surreal, because this is what I’ve been working for my whole life," she said. "It’s been one of my goals I’ve always had."

Brasfield and Cooper are the only high school students from Manatee County going to the finals, which will be held in Rock Springs, Wyoming, from July 15 through 21. They will compete against 250 other teens from around the country in each division.