Thunderbird (M-Rodeo) Finishes up Day 2 in Casper

The T-Birds finished Day 2 of the College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR) on Tuesday, June 16.

Treyden Gonzales and Teagan Taylor-Roukema both had tough days at the Ford Wyoming Center.

Gonzales competed in both the second and third go of the tie down roping Tuesday.

The freshman tied his calf in the second go in 9.2 seconds which would have been fourth in the round, but the calf kicked free late to receive a no time. Gonzales competed in the performance later in the day. He recorded an 8.0 run in the third go, but he broke the barrier to finish his CNFR with an 18.0. Gonzales was an 11.7 in the first go. The no time in the second go will mean the Seboyeta, NM native misses out on the Short Round in his first appearance at the CNFR. 

Heeler Teagan Taylor-Roukema was unable to get his shot at the steer after team roping partner Jacob Walters missed in the second go round. The pair were a 13.0 in the first go round. Taylor-Roukema and Walters will finish up their CNFR in the third go during Thursday's performance at 7 p.m. MDT in the seventh event of the night.

All performances of the CNFR starting Tuesday through Saturday, June 16-20th, 2026, will air on ESPN+.

ESPN+ is available by using the ESPN app, and also available on your computer.

12 teams/individuals make it to the CNFR Short Round with the national champion being the top team roping pair or tie down roper with the best four-round average. The final takes place Saturday, June 20 at 7 p.m. MDT inside the Ford Wyoming Center.

The draw is here and the schedule is here. Results will be posted after each go round here.

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.