NMJC’s Gonzalez & Hatley Set to Compete at CNFR
The Thunderbird team roping duo of header Lyvan Gonzalez and heeler Cason Hatley are set to compete at the College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR) June 16-21 in Casper, Wyoming.
Gonzalez and Hatley will be facing off against 46 other team roping contestants for a chance to be crowned the CNFR Team Roping National Champion. The rodeo will be a three header and then a Short Round with the top 12 qualifiers.
The Hobbs, NM locals will take to the arena floor at the Ford Wyoming Center Monday, June 16 around 1 p.m. MST for the first round of the team roping competition. Gonzalez and Hatley are the 29th team during Monday's slack round.
The second round is set for Tuesday, June 17 at approximately 1 p.m. MST as well with the T-Birds sitting in line as the 19th team in the starting order. The third go round is Thursday, June 19 as Gonzalez and Hatley compete in the perf on ESPN 3/WATCH ESPN starting at 7 p.m. MST. The team is eighth on the shortlist of team ropers on Thursday.
12 teams make it to the CNFR Short Round with the national champion being the top team roping pair with the best four-round average. The final takes place Saturday, June 21 at 7 p.m. MST inside the Ford Wyoming Center and will be live on ESPN 3/WATCH ESPN.
NMJC men's rodeo head coach Stewy Kinley previously said this format suits Gonzalez and Hatley very well.
"That's what I'm excited for these guys is their game plan isn't to just win rounds. If they draw good enough, they do win rounds, but they know how to get them caught and that is the most important part."
Click here for the full feature on Gonzalez and Hatley's thoughts on qualifying for the CNFR.
Stay up to date on the T-Birds journey in Casper at the CNFR by following the NMJC rodeo socials on Facebook (New Mexico Jr. College Rodeo) and Instagram @nmjc_rodeo.
