Northwest Mississippi Rodeo Qualifies Three for CNFR at Ranger Rodeo

The Northwest Mississippi Community College rodeo team wrapped up its regular season Saturday night at the Ranger Rodeo held at Lawrence ‘Bud’ Young Arena in Senatobia. The team finished in the top four in both men’s and women’s standings, earning three spots at the College National Finals Rodeo in Casper, Wyoming, in June, according to team officials.

The men’s team finished third with 390 points, just 10 behind the University of West Alabama. The women’s team placed fourth with 135 points, trailing Missouri State University – West Plains by five points. The men’s team was the top finishing two-year program, while the women were the second overall at that level, officials said.

The team qualified three individuals for the CNFR, including Will Collier in steer wrestling for the third time, sophomore Dakota Smith in bull riding for the second time, and freshman Reagen Chance in barrel racing — a first for the program in 13 years. Smith was already qualified prior to the rodeo, having accumulated 625 points in regional events. He finished eighth nationally after winning the third round with an 83.5.

Collier entered the final rodeo in fourth place but secured his spot after a strong performance in steer wrestling, including a second-round time of 4.7 seconds. Collier, in his third trip to Casper, expressed confidence about competing at the CNFR, noting that he had learned from previous years’ experiences.

Chance, who needed to make up 115 points to qualify, made a blistering ride in barrel racing with a 13.97-second run and then a 13.70-second ride in the short go. Her performance earned her a second-place finish in the round and a spot at the CNFR, marking her first appearance at the national level and making her only the third female to qualify in barrel racing for Northwest.

Hank Burgess closed out his college rodeo career with a win, sweeping the long go, short go, and the average with a total of 180 points. In team roping, Trey Weekley and partner Austin Brooks finished third overall. Leo Williams and Eli Herman also earned points, finishing fifth in the average.

The three qualifiers are set to compete at the CNFR from June 14 to 20 at the Ford Wyoming Center. Team coach Lummus expressed optimism, noting that the returning athletes are eager to build on prior experience and improve their performances. The team will begin preparation in small pens ahead of the event.

For more information, fans can visit nwccrangers.com or follow Northwest Mississippi’s social media accounts.

Source: Original Article