Two St Brendan’s College students have been selected to represent Australia on the world stage after standout performances at the Australian High School Rodeo Association (AHSRA) National Finals, held recently in Bendemeer, New South Wales.
Jesse Remfrey and Charley McClelland, both active members of the St Brendan’s College Rodeo Club, earned selection to the Australian High School Rodeo Team, which will travel to the United States this July to compete at the prestigious National High School Finals Rodeo (NHSFR)—the largest rodeo of its kind in the world.Year 12 student Jesse Remfrey competed in both bull riding and saddle bronc at the national finals and was selected to represent Australia in saddle bronc. While Jesse has shifted his focus more heavily to broncs in recent years, his ability to qualify in both disciplines highlights his skill and dedication to the sport.
Jesse Remfrey competed in both bull riding and saddle bronc at the national finals and was selected to represent Australia in saddle bronc
Charley McClelland also earned selection in bull riding; however, a recent injury has unfortunately ruled him out of competing in the United States. Despite this, his inclusion in the national team remains a remarkable achievement and reflects the strength of the College’s rodeo program.
Charley McClelland also earned selection in bull riding
In another standout performance, St Brendan’s College Rodeo Captain, Jhett Diplock-Barron, has qualified for the APRA Junior National Finals to be held in Emerald, earning his place among the nation’s top junior competitors with a 6th place ranking in the Junior Bull Ride.
SBC Rodeo Captain 2025 - Jhett Diplock Barron
Year 9 student, Cruz Leahy, has also qualified for the prestigious event and is currently ranked 2nd in the Junior All-Around Cowboy standings.
Cruz Leahy flying the SBC flag at the SBC Aussie Gold Rodeo
These achievements highlight the depth of talent and passion within the St Brendan’s College Rodeo Club, and reinforce the College’s strong tradition of excellence in the sport of rodeo.
“To have boys representing Australia and competing at national level events is a reflection of the passion, commitment, and opportunity that exists within our rodeo program. We’re incredibly proud of their achievements.”
Founded in 1949, the National High School Rodeo Association (NHSRA) has grown from a local Texas initiative into a global organisation with over 10,000 members across the United States, Canada, Mexico, Australia, and New Zealand. The NHSFR attracts more than 1,500 top student athletes annually and has become a showcase for the very best in youth rodeo.St Brendan’s College Rodeo Co-ordinator, Mr Bill Oram, said the recent achievements highlight the College’s strong tradition in rodeo.
To witness the next wave of Australian rodeo talent, don’t miss the only school-based rodeo in the country— the St Brendan’s College Aussie Gold Rodeo on Friday, 30 August.