This past weekend, the dust settled in Casper, Wyo. and the 2024 College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR) officially concluded. From coast to coast, collegiate athletes wore their CINCH armbands and iconic vests with pride and in hopes of writing their names in the history books of the 75th CNFR. With the nation’s most competitive collegiate athletes competing for the prestigious title, this year’s performance was one for the books.
One of the most exciting and unique aspects of college rodeo is the team aspect. Athletes not only represent themselves in the arena, but they also represent their scholastic institutions and peers on a team. This year, the team titles belonged to Tarleton State University and the Univerity of West Alabama, taking home the men’s and women’s team titles, respectively.
Taking home the All Around Cowboy, rookie, and bull riding titles was the Clarendon College cowboy, Wacey Schalla. The first-year athlete added three impressive titles to his first trip to Casper in true winning style. Looking toward the women’s all-around completion, all eyes were on Texas A&M’s Madalyn Richards. Richards not only captured the All-Around Cowgirl title but also defeated a competitive back of breakaway ropers to take home the CNFR Breakaway Roping title, as well as tie the fastest goat-tying run of the week with a speedy 6.0-second run.
Consistency was key to Tarleton State’s Gus Gaillard’s game plan, marking three 78.5 rides to secure the saddle bronc riding title. In the bareback riding, the Claredon Cowboys continued to reign as Weston Timberman took home the high-stakes title.
Turing heads in the Tie Down Roping was none other than Hill College cowboy Koby Douch, who took home the national title with a nearly 3-second lead in the four-head average competition. Consistency was also key for the team of cowboys from Texas A&M Commerce and Hill College in the team roping. Writing their names in the history books, James Arviso and Kaden Profili captured the national title with a total time of 31.6 seconds on four heads. Looking out west to Utah Valley University, CNFR fans found Sam Carson, the 2024 CNFR Steer Wrestling champion, with an impressive time of 18.0 seconds on four steers.
With her standout horse, “Pop Rocks,” the reigning CNFR Barrel Racing champ and Wrangler National Finals Qualifier, Taycie Matthews, captured a repeat win within the yellow walls of the Ford Wyoming Center. Rounding out the competition was none other than McKenna Clingman, who took home the first-ever national title to her alma mater, Colorado Mesa University.
For a full list of results, please visit collegerodeo.com.
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