College National Finals Rodeo set to begin on June 12th
Hobbs, NEW MEXICO
Three NMJC student-athletes are among the over 400 intercollegiate cowboys and cowgirls from over 100 colleges and universities, who will be competing at the College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR) Sunday, June 12th in Casper, WY, concluding with the final round Saturday evening,
June 18th.
NMJC will be represented by Preston Burr from Stratford, TX in saddle bronc riding in the June 12th performances titled "Bulls, Broncs, and Breakaway". Preston will ride in the first go, 3rd section of saddle bronc riding. He will be competing against 42 saddle bronc riders who qualified from their respective regions.
In tie down roping, sophomore Wyatt Hayes from Val Marie, Saskatchewan, Canada, will run his first calf Monday, June 13th during the tie down slack first go, 1st section. Wyatt is also in the running for the CNFR/NIRA -Walt Garrison National Award. He received the Southwest Walt Garrison Award by being nominated by his peers and coaches of the Southwest Region of the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association as the Southwest Region Student President for the 2015-16 rodeo season. Wyatt is one of 46 tie down ropers competing at the CNFR.
Completing the trio representing NMJC is Keely Bonnett, from Ponoka, Alberta, Canada, in team roping. Bonnett will be roping with his partner Casey Tew of Weatherford College. They will compete Monday,
June 13th, during the slack first go, 1st section. Keely and Casey are one of 50 team roping teams chasing a CNFR Championship.
NMJC's Head Rodeo Coach Marty Eakin said "I am very excited for these three young men that qualified, and the opportunities for them to compete and showcase their talents, as well as represent New Mexico Junior College at the highest level of college rodeo."
All three NMJC Cowboys will have three go rounds during the week to qualify in their event. The top 12 cowboys per each event will return Saturday evening, June 18th for the Championship Performance, for a shot to win the coveted CNFR Championship Title.
Updates of the college rodeo finals will be available on the internet at www.cnfr.com.