Mesalands Rodeo Team finishes strong at nationals

June 17, 2013

The Mesalands Community College Rodeo Team competed last week at the College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR) in Casper, WY. The Women’s Team earned 165 points and finished 11th in the nation. Macy Fuller of Wittman, AZ also came in 4th in the Women’s All-Around. The Men’s Team earned 170 points and ended the year 24th in the nation.

“The Team competed well at nationals. We had a couple of bad breaks and could have been looking at a few national champions,” Coach C. J. Aragon, Intercollegiate Rodeo Coach at Mesalands said. “It’s still impressive that we sent a fifth of our Team to the college finals, and we had eight of our team members place in the top 25. As a Team we have high expectations for the college finals, and will just have to continue working harder next year.”

Tie Down Roping: Sophomore Jordan Minor, from Navasota, TX had a solid lead after completing the first go-round in 8.4 seconds. In the second go-round, Minor’s horse broke the barrier on his calf with his nose and he completed the round in 18.3 seconds. Minor earned 135 points during the competition and ended the season 15th in the nation.

Breakaway Roping: The breakaway ropers had a fine performance at nationals. Shelby Rita of Sunset Beach, HI, completed her first run in 5.5 seconds. During her second run, Rita broke out on her second calf, finishing the round in 13.0 seconds. In her third go-round, she ended strong with 2.9 seconds taking 9th place at the college finals.

Macy Fuller finished the first two rounds in 3.0 seconds and 2.5 seconds. She completed received a no score for the third go-round, but still qualified for the championship round. She completed the final round in 3.0 seconds and the season 11th in the nation.

Betty Pack of Aztec, NM had a difficult time at the college finals receiving a no score in all three rounds. She ended the season 49th in the nation.

Saddle Bronc Riding: In saddle bronc riding, Christian Stremler of Winnemucca, NV earned 66.0 points in the first go-round. He received a no score in the second go-round and 66.5 points during the final, for a total of 132.50 points. He took 12th place.

Steer Wrestling: Mike McGinn of Haines, OR had a no score first the first two go-rounds. In the final round he finished in 5.1 seconds and 5th in the round.

Goat Tying: In goat tying, Fuller completed the first two rounds in 6.5 seconds and 6.1 seconds. She had a no score for the final round placing her 48th in the nation.

Team Roping: Morgan McVay of Reno, NV (heeler) and Victor Ugalde from New Mexico State University took 24th at the 2013 CNFR, with runs of 11.5 seconds, 13.0 seconds and a no score the final round.

Barrel Racing: Fuller also competed in barrel racing at the college finals. She completed the first go-round in 14.58 seconds, the second in 14.40 seconds and the final in 14.40 seconds. She ended the season 14th in the nation.

Bull Riding: Last but not least, are the three bull riders that represented Mesalands at the 2013 CNFR. David Gonzalez of Chihuahua, Mexico earned 44.0 points in the first go-round and a no score for the next two rounds. He took 21st place at nationals.

Kody Decker of Viola, KS and Cody Heffernan both received a no score for all three rounds. Decker and Heffernan both ended the season 22nd in the nation.