Steele Sandilands of Esterhazy High School has added another significant achievement to his young high school rodeo career.
Sandilands was crowned the 2026 Canadian High School Rodeo Breakaway Champion at the Canadian High School Rodeo Finals, held August 7 to 9 in Vermilion, Alberta.
Representing the Manitoba High School Rodeo Association, Sandilands qualified for the Canadian finals by finishing among the top five competitors in his province. At the national competition, he competed in five events: team roping, goat tying, breakaway roping, chute dogging and ribbon roping.
The competition brought together the top high school rodeo athletes from Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and British Columbia.
Sandilands advanced to the short-go round in three of his five events chute dogging, goat tying and breakaway roping. His performance in breakaway roping proved to be the highlight of the weekend, earning him the title of Canadian champion.
The accomplishment is particularly notable given that Sandilands has been competing in high school rodeo for only two years. During that time, he has established himself as a versatile competitor, taking part in a variety of events that require a combination of horsemanship, timing, athletic ability and determination.
The 2026 championship also continues a strong run of success for Sandilands. He has qualified for the Canadian High School Rodeo Finals for two consecutive years and has also qualified for the National High School Rodeo Finals.
Good Spirit School Division and the Esterhazy High School community have recognized Sandilands for his dedication, perseverance and success.
His Canadian championship represents a significant achievement in his young rodeo career and provides another accomplishment to build on as he continues competing at the high school level.