​WATERTOWN — Among the more than 200 cowgirls and cowboys slated to compete this weekend in the 51st Eastern Dakota 4-H Regional Rodeo at Derby Downs, one standout is a multi-time state and world champion. Ace Lammers of Henry added to his growing list of rodeo honors by capturing the boys’ goat tying title at the 2026 National Junior High Finals Rodeo, held June 21-27 in Guthrie, Oklahoma. “It’s a pretty big deal. It’s a major accomplishment,” Lammers remarked after earning the victory. “I was second going into the finals. The top three were all pretty close, and I had a good run. I was pretty sure I was going to win it after that.”
By taking the win, Lammers joined a select group of South Dakota champions who have claimed NJHFR titles since the event began in 2005. He becomes only the 10th South Dakotan to win an NJHFR event, and the first from the state’s northeast region to achieve this honor. Past South Dakota NJHFR champions include Taos Weborg of Gregory in bareback steer riding (2022), Brylee Grubb of Spearfish in barrel racing (2019), Rickie Engesser of Spearfish in barrel racing (2012), Sawyer Gilbert of Buffalo in girls breakaway roping (2016), J.D. Kirwan of Bonesteel in boys breakaway roping (2012), Slone Weishaar of Belle Fourche and Casper Hammerstrom of New Underwood in team roping (2023), and Rio Nutter of Rapid City and Denton Good of Long Valley in team roping (2017). Jace Melvin of Fort Pierre earned All-Around Cowboy honors in 2007.
Ace’s ascent comes alongside his younger brother Reo, pictured with Ace and their many recent awards from the 2026 National Junior High Finals Rodeo (June 21-27 in Guthrie) and the 2026 National Little Britches Rodeo (June 28-July 4 in Oklahoma City). Ace’s world championship in boys’ goat tying at the NJHFR adds to a growing trophy case that already features a world crown. The brothers are the sons of Chad and Tina Lammers of Henry, who themselves competed in college rodeo before passing their love of the sport to their children. The Lammers brothers are homeschooled, with Ace entering as a freshman this fall and Reo starting sixth grade.
Ace has posted strong showings in recent years, earning All-Around Junior Cowboy honors at the South Dakota State 4-H Finals Rodeo for two consecutive years. He claimed goat tying three years in a row and won the flag race twice, then advanced to the senior boys division in 4-H Rodeo. One of Ace’s most memorable moments came last summer when he won world championships in both junior boys’ flag racing and goat tying, and he also earned Junior Boys All-Around Reserve Champion honors at the 2025 National Little Britches Rodeo, staged in Guthrie, Oklahoma.
“The way we’ve raised them, they’ve always had opportunity to be out at the arena with us,” Tina Lammers explained. “From the time they were little, we would take them to the arena. They would sit in strollers and playpens while we roped and did our work, and they would entertain themselves.” That hands-on approach has helped shape Ace and Reo into dedicated competitors.
Rodeo continues to be a major part of the Lammers family’s life. The brothers devote countless hours each week to practice on the family ranch, which includes an indoor barn that allows for year-round training and skill development, ensuring they remain ready for the next competition and the next opportunity to add to their impressive resumes. As Ace prepares for the next rodeo weekend in Watertown, the local rodeo community watches with anticipation for his continued success and for Reo to join him in future championships.