CWC wins rodeo of the year and one cowboy will compete at CNFR

The last rodeo of the season was a determining factor for many cowboys and cowgirls who were close on the regional leader boards to make it to the College National Finals Rodeo. Only the top three in each event qualify. One Central Wyoming College cowboy, Brady Thurston, will go to CNFR in June.

Thurston finalized the season in third place in the steer wrestling event. Teigen Finnerty and Dalton Burgener were close to making the final cut, finishing in fourth and fifth place for the region. Thurston was also second in all-around which qualified him to compete in another event. He will also compete in the saddle bronc riding which was his next top qualifying event.

Brady had an amazing year and proved to me what a tough minded strong competitor he is. He made every short round throughout the season and was the only cowboy to make points in four different events. I am excited for him to compete at the CNFR in the saddle bronc riding and steer wrestling along with representing the Central Rocky Mountain Region as its nominee for the Walt Garrison award. ”

Drew Schrock, rodeo coach

Each region votes for one representative for the Walt Garrison Award. Thurston was nominated by his team, regional coaches and directors. The award winner will be determined at the CNFR.

At the University of Wyoming rodeo this past weekend eight CWC contenders made the top ten in their events.

Five cowboys placed in the top ten in the steer wrestling event. Thurston led the group placing second with a time of 5.4 seconds in the long go-round and 8.1 seconds in the short go-round. Finnerty followed in third place with 6.8 seconds in the long go-round and 7.7 seconds in the short go-round. Taking fourth place was Kyle Choate with 14.6 seconds in the long go-round and 7.0 seconds in the short go-round. Jace Burger placed fifth with 10.2 seconds in the long go-round and 12.5 seconds in the short go-round. Bryce Sturman placed ninth overall with 7.9 seconds in the long go-round but received a no time in the short go-round.

Sturman placed fifth in the tie down roping. He timed 10.8 seconds in the long go-round and 11.5 in the short go-round.

Newcomer Josee Vogel placed third in the goat tying with 7.3 seconds in the long go-round and 7.0 seconds in the short go-round. Also for the women’s team Kassie Kautzman placed fifth in the breakaway roping. Kautzman had a time of 2.9 seconds in the long go-round and 13.5 seconds in the short go-round.

“The last three rodeos of the season the women’s team started to make some things happen, which will help boost their confidence next year with the entire women’s team and some new exciting recruits as well,” Schrock said.

With all the team members from the men’s team placing at the rodeo their team score bumped them up to third place for the region with 2,950 points; a place that was held by Chadron State College for most of the season. Sheridan College kept the leader position finishing the season with 4,970 points followed by Gillette College with 3,945.

“I am very proud of this entire team for all of the hard work and dedication they put in this past season. The Men’s team came close to making it to the CNFR and with all but two of them coming back next year there is a lot for them to look forward to,” Schrock said. “I hope to see everyone in Casper June 12-18 cheering on Brady at the CNFR.”   

CWC’s Rustler Roundup Rodeo also won rodeo of the year for the Central Rocky Mountain Region, an honor that is voted on by members of the region.

“I would like to give a shout out to B&B Arrogate and 2M Construction for donating all of their time and efforts in getting our fair grounds arena in working condition for our rodeo last fall,” Schrock said. “Thank you to all of the rest of our sponsors, school volunteers and community who also took time to make our rodeo a success. All of the hard work didn’t go unnoticed, we have a great community and a great support system here in Fremont County.”