Rodeo team looks promising with new and returning talent

The fall rodeo season starts this Friday here at Central Wyoming College. The rodeo will be at the Fremont County Fairgrounds in Riverton Sept. 11-13.

This will be the first of five rodeos of the fall season for the Central Rocky Mountain Region.

Although none of the team members made it to finals last year, this year’s team is promising; with new and returning talents.

Colton Miller competed for CWC his freshman and sophomore year and transferred to Tarleton State University but he will rejoin the team this fall for his last year of eligibility. Miller has been in the pro rodeo circuit this summer and will be competing both collegiate and pro.

Steer wrestler, Coltin Hill will also be returning to CWC after transferring to another college. In 2014, Hill qualified for the College National Finals Rodeo and was unable to compete after a knee injury.

In the freshman line-up Teigen Finnerty, Brady Thurston, Kassie Kautzman, Tanner Butner and Casey Hale all competed in the National High School Finals rodeo this July.

Butner also placed first in the saddle bronc event at the Intermountain Pro Rodeo finals in Aug; scoring 76 in the first round and 80 in the second round with a combined score of 156.

“This is the best team I’ve recruited,” said Drew Schrock, head rodeo coach. “This freshman class is well qualified and I can’t wait to see how they do at this first rodeo.”

Last year the men’s team finished the season in ninth place with 1,200 points while the women’s team kept a steady sixth place, finishing with 975 points.

Friday starts with slack at 1pm followed by the performance at 7pm. On Saturday slack starts at 9am followed by a jackpot breakaway and tie down roping. The performance will start at 7pm.

Saturday night there will also be a calf scramble where CWC students can participate to win a series of prizes. Each calf will have a ribbon attached to them; students who can grab the ribbon will win prizes.

On Sunday the short-go round will start at 11am.

“I’m excited for my upperclassman and the leadership that they have,” Schrock said.

With the new CWC logo the team will be sporting new vests this season.

“They will be looking sharp in their new shirts and vests that were provided by Wyoming Tourism,” Schrock said.

Tickets are $5, students with ID’s get in free and children 8 and younger get in free. Tickets may be purchased at the front gate.

Fall rodeo schedule:

Sept. 18-20 at Chadron State College

Sept. 25-27 at Sheridan College

Oct. 2-4 at Lamar Community College

Oct. 9-11 at Laramie County Community College