One of Selma’s own, Hunter Desch, is competing in the state finals in Andalusia for the Alabama High School Rodeo. Desch, the son of Eric and Charlotte Desch, currently sits in fourth place in one of the toughest rough stock events of rodeo — bull riding. 

A win in the top four will assure him a spot on the team that will represent Alabama in Rock Springs for the national finals. Desch has been working with his brother Josh Jeter and friend Anna Popwell to become top qualifiers for the national competition.

Going into his rookie year as a junior was a challenge, he said, but as a senior next year he plans to expand his rodeo experience by trying his hand at team roping and saddle bronc riding — a rodeo event that involves attempting to buck off the rider.

Through his rodeo participation, Desch said he hopes to earn several scholarships to attend college to study how to be a flight nurse. This season, he said, is dedicated to his mother who is currently battling breast cancer.