Team Ropers Gonzalez and Hatley Sit 20th After Round 1 of the CNFR
The Thunderbirds started the College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR) with a 10.1 run in the first go round of the team roping competition.
"Lyvan and Cason made an impressive run today," NMJC men's rodeo head coach Stewy Kinley said. "Lyvan nailed the start and took an aggressive throw on the head side. Cason took a smart shot on the heel side but ended up slipping a leg. I was really impressed by the pace of their run. They didn't show any nerves or reservation, they just tried to win the round and almost got it done."
The slipped leg is a plus five on the time that would have won the first go round. Lyvan Gonzalez and Cason Hatley sit 20th in the competition which is just 4.4 seconds out of first place. The leaders after the first go round are Cutler Cain of Southeastern Oklahoma State and Dace Morris of Western Oklahoma State College with a run of 5.7 seconds. Four teams are in a tie for the No. 2 spot at 6.2 seconds.
"I'm looking forward to what they'll do in the second and third rounds," Coach Kinley said. The steers are really good so hopefully they'll draw what they need and take another aggressive start. We've got a little bit of catching up to do but these boys just showed everyone they're capable of getting it done and that they're here to try and win!"
The second round begins Tuesday, June 17 at approximately 2:30 p.m. MST with the T-Birds sitting in line as the 19th team in the starting order. The third go round for Gonzalez and Hatley is Thursday, June 19 with the duo competing 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.
Click here for the full preview of 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.
