Once again, the Hirdes clan adds another state rodeo title. This is the family’s eighth one, to be exact.

This time it was Turlock’s Case Hirdes, who, along with partner Clay Ruiz of Dos Palos, won the team roping competition at the California State High School Rodeo Association Finals in Bishop, where the event has been held for the past six years. Hirdes will now prepare for next month’s National Finals in Gillette, Wyo., with more than 1,400 competitors from all over the world and more than $500K scholarship money available.

After notching times of 8.96 and 9.97 seconds in the first two rounds, Hirdes and his partner won the state title in the short-go run in 7.66. This is Hirdes second consecutive time capturing the event, as he did it last year with Matt Costa of Turlock, who competed in last week’s College National Finals Rodeo in Casper, Wyo., with fellow Turlocker and team roper Jeffrey Larson.

In the college team roping competition, Costa and Larson of West Hills College in Coalinga placed seventh.

For Case Hirdes, he looks to become the third Hirdes to win a national title. Older brothers Kent won in 2000 in steer wrestling and Blake was the most recent national winner after taking the team roping title in 2005.

For the Hirdes, a national title is almost expected. Their grandfather, the late Les Hirdes, won a World Champion team roping title in 1963.

“We’re trying to win one more (national title),” said Ed Hirdes, the father of 16-year-old Case.

To contact Chhun Sun, e-mail csun@turlockjournal.com or call 634-9141 ext. 2041.