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Gillette women win team crown at College National Finals Rodeo

Bill Brewster
Photo by Dan HubbellTaylor Nahrgang from the University of Montana-Western, won the NIRA Steer Wrestling Championship at the 2010 CNFR.

Gillette College of Wyoming rode off with the women’s team title at the College National Finals Rodeo in Casper with 558.33 points to highlight the list of champions that were crowned from Montana, Wyoming and South Dakota on June 19 during the final short go at the Events Center in Casper, WY. Chelsea Moore, from Gillette College, was the reserve all-around Champion and her horse, Sonitas Fancy Dancer, was the women’s AQHA Horse of the year.

To sweeten the mix, Freshman Jordan Thurston of Gillette College won the goat tying with a total time of 26.5 points and the short go with a time of 6.2 seconds.

The men’s team title went to Vernon College of Texas with 682.5 points.



When the final buzzer sounded, Jason Schaffer of Broadus, MT finished with 265 points to share the all-around title with Caleb Smidt of Wharton College of Texas. Schaffer, who attends Howard College of Big Springs, Texas, won the championship round of steer wrestling with a time of 4.2 seconds and finished second in the overall standings.

The women’s all-around title and the breakaway title went to Oklahoma Panhandle State cowgirl Jordan Muncy-Taton. She placed fourth in the final go with a time of 4.1 seconds.



Taylor Nahrgang, a graduating fifth-year senior from the University of Montana-Western (UMW), pulled out all the stops to capture the steer wrestling championship. He posted times of 3.4, 4.9, 4.6 and 5.2 to take the title back to Dillon for Coach Ole Else. As a result, he became the fourth UMW cowboy to win steer wrestling championships while following Tim Garrison in 1989, Jesse Peterson in 1992 and Wyatt Smith in 2009. Nahrgang hazed for Smith in 2009. It was Nahrgang’s fourth CNFR.

Kaleb Asay of Vernon and Isaac Diaz of Tarleton State University shared the Saddle Bronc average title with 306.5 points. Both contestants are among the up-and-coming PRCA riders. Asay was the 2008 PRCA Rookie of the Year in the event and Diaz is already a two-time National Finals Rodeo qualifier.

The short go was shared by Troy Crowser of Panhandle State University, Bryan Martinat of Blue Mountain Community College and Diaz with 77.5 markings.

In bareback riding, Central Wyoming contestant Ty Breuer corralled both the national title with 335 points and the championship round with a 82.5 marking.

Jeffrey Askey, from the University of Tennessee-Martin, marked an 88.5 on the short go of the bull riding and also captured the national championship with 248 points.

The tie down roping championship saddle went to Ryan Bothum of Connor with a total time of 42.6 seconds for 195 points. The short go went to Caleb Smidt of Wharton College with a time of 8.8 seconds.

Sydni Blanchard of Mesalands Community College posted the fastest time of the week with a 14.16 barrel racing run during the final go and the average with a total time of 57.87 seconds.

In team roping, Chance Kiehne and Michael Trujillo of Eastern New Mexico University captured the national championship with times of 8.8, 7.9, 12.9 and 5.8 for a total of 35.4. Chase and Chad Williams of Tarleton captured the short go with a time of 5.5 seconds.

She Be a Madam, owned by Cade H Rice of Sam Houston State University rode the Men’s AQHA Horse of the Year.

Sydni Blanchard of Mesalands Community College was the women’s rookie with 250 points.

Jason Schaffer of Howard County Junior College was the men’s rookie with 265 points.

Here is a summary:

Bareback Riding:

Average – 1. Ty Breuer, CWYC, 319; 2. Kyle Brennecke, MVC, 301.5; 3. (tie) Luke Creasy, TXTUL and Tanner Aus, IACCC, 301; 5. Seth Hardwick, PANHDL, 299.5.

Short Go – 1. Ty Breuer, 82.5; 2 (tie) Seth Hardwick, PANHDL, Nick Gutzwiler, WWCC and Tanner Aus, IACCC, 79.5.

Tie Down Roping:

Average – 1. Ryan Bothum, CONNOR, 42.6; 2. Caleb Smidt, WHARTN, 45; 3. Cy Eames, IDSU, 45.7; 4. Kyle VanBiezen, IDSU, 50.6; 5. Cory Solomon, HILL, 52.7.

Short Go – 1. Caleb Smidt, WHARTN, 8.8; 2. Kyle VanBiezen, IDSU, 9.8; 3. Ryan Botum, CONNOR, 10.3; 4. Cory Solomon, HILL, 11.

Breakaway Roping:

Average – 1. Jordan Muncy-Taton, PANHDL, 11.8; 2. Katy Strange, NETXCC, 13.9; 3. Chelsea Hoff, UNVLV, 13.9; 4. Whitney O’Rourke, SDSU, 22.4; 5. Chelsea Moore, GILLET, 6.8.

Short Go – 1. Katy Strange, NETXCC, 2.4; 2. Chelsea Moore, GILLET, 2.6; 3. Whitney O’Rourke, SDSU, 3.5; 4. Jordan Munchy-Taton, PANHDL, 4.1.

Saddle Bronc Riding:

Average – 1. (tie) Kaleb Asay, VERNON and Isaac Diaz, TARLET, 306.5; 3. Will Smith, MVC, 303.5; 4. Troy Crowser, PANDL, 299.5; 5. Jacob Crawley, TXAMU, 299.

Short Go – 1. (tie) Troy Crowser, PANHDL, Bryan Martinat, BLUE and Isaac Diaz, TARLET, 77.5; 4. Kobyn Williams, MCNSU, 75.5; 5. Jacob Crawley, TXAMU, 75.

Steer Wrestling:

Average – 1. Taylor Nahrgang, UMTW, 18.1; 2. Jason Schaffer, HOWARD, 19; 3. Brent Sutton, SDSU, 19.2; 4. Kody Woodward, NWOKSU, 19.9; 5. Jake Shaw, MVC, 20.6.

Short Go – 1, Jason Schaffer, HOWARD, 4.1; 2. Jake Shaw, MVC, 4.2; 3. Kody Woodward, NWOKSU, 4.3; 4. (tie) Mert Bradshaw, FEATHR and Dakota Eldridge, BLUE, 4.6.

Goat Tying:

Average – 1. Jordan T. Hurston, GILLET, 26.5; 2. Bailey Guthrie, WTXC, 26.9; 3. Hilary Bair, UVU, 27.3; 4. (tie) Mackenzie Pratt, WEBER and Joey Painter, BLKHIL, 27.6.

Short Go – 1, Jordan Thurston, GILLET, 6.2; 2. Joey Painter, BLKHIL, 6.3; 3. Hilary Bair, UVU, 6.4; 4. Toya Vogt, NWOKSU, 6.5.

Team Roping:

Average – 1. Chance Kiehne and Michael Trujillo, ENMU, 35.4; 2. Chase Williams and Chad Williams, TARLET, 37.5; 3. Rodee Walraven and Johnny Salvo, NMSU, 38.1; 4. Zachary Kilgus, HILL, and Shiloh Seale, TXAMU, 76; 5. Jordan Steele, UWY, and Dustin Smith, GILLET, 23.5.

Short Go – 1, Chase Williams and Chad Williams, TARLET, 5.5; 2. Chance Kiehne and Michael Trijillo, ENMU, 5.8; 3. Rodee Walraven and Johnny Salvo, NMSU, 6.3; 4. (tie) Jordan Steele, UWY, and Dustin Smith, GILLET, 6.4.

Barrel Racing:

Average – 1. Sydni Blanchard, MESACC, 57.87; 2. Rachel Tiedeman, SDSU, 57.98; 3. Jaymie Leach, UNVLV, 58.03; 4. Cassie Ward, TARLET, 58.11; 5. Jordan Munch-Taton, PANHDL, 58.20.

Short Go – 1. Sydni Blanchard, MESACC, 14.16; 2. Lauren Cox, TXAMU, 14.28; 3. Rachel Tiedeman, SDSU, 14.32; 4. Cassie Ward, TARLET, 14.34.

Bull Riding:

Average – 1. Jeffrey Askey, UTNM, 248; 2. Riggin Phillips, HILL, 247; 3. Taggert Elliott, CSID, 246.5; 4. Harve Stewart, TARLET, 244.5; 5. Trevor Kastner, WOKSC, 235.5.

Short Go – 1. Jeffrey Askey, UTNM, 88.5; 2. (tie) Trevor Kastner, WOKSC and Riggin Phillips, Hill, 85; 4. Harve Stewart, TARLET, 84.5.

Men’s Team Standings:

1. Vernon College, 682.5; 2. Missouri Valley College, 585.33; 3. Tarleton State University, 564.50; 4. Central Wyoming College, 530; 5. Panhandle State University, 485.

Women’s Team Standings:

1. Gillette College, 558.33; 2. South Dakota State University; 3. Panhandle State University, 355; 4. Western Texas College; 325. 5. Weber State University, 317.50.

Gillette College of Wyoming rode off with the women’s team title at the College National Finals Rodeo in Casper with 558.33 points to highlight the list of champions that were crowned from Montana, Wyoming and South Dakota on June 19 during the final short go at the Events Center in Casper, WY. Chelsea Moore, from Gillette College, was the reserve all-around Champion and her horse, Sonitas Fancy Dancer, was the women’s AQHA Horse of the year.

To sweeten the mix, Freshman Jordan Thurston of Gillette College won the goat tying with a total time of 26.5 points and the short go with a time of 6.2 seconds.

The men’s team title went to Vernon College of Texas with 682.5 points.

When the final buzzer sounded, Jason Schaffer of Broadus, MT finished with 265 points to share the all-around title with Caleb Smidt of Wharton College of Texas. Schaffer, who attends Howard College of Big Springs, Texas, won the championship round of steer wrestling with a time of 4.2 seconds and finished second in the overall standings.

The women’s all-around title and the breakaway title went to Oklahoma Panhandle State cowgirl Jordan Muncy-Taton. She placed fourth in the final go with a time of 4.1 seconds.

Taylor Nahrgang, a graduating fifth-year senior from the University of Montana-Western (UMW), pulled out all the stops to capture the steer wrestling championship. He posted times of 3.4, 4.9, 4.6 and 5.2 to take the title back to Dillon for Coach Ole Else. As a result, he became the fourth UMW cowboy to win steer wrestling championships while following Tim Garrison in 1989, Jesse Peterson in 1992 and Wyatt Smith in 2009. Nahrgang hazed for Smith in 2009. It was Nahrgang’s fourth CNFR.

Kaleb Asay of Vernon and Isaac Diaz of Tarleton State University shared the Saddle Bronc average title with 306.5 points. Both contestants are among the up-and-coming PRCA riders. Asay was the 2008 PRCA Rookie of the Year in the event and Diaz is already a two-time National Finals Rodeo qualifier.

The short go was shared by Troy Crowser of Panhandle State University, Bryan Martinat of Blue Mountain Community College and Diaz with 77.5 markings.

In bareback riding, Central Wyoming contestant Ty Breuer corralled both the national title with 335 points and the championship round with a 82.5 marking.

Jeffrey Askey, from the University of Tennessee-Martin, marked an 88.5 on the short go of the bull riding and also captured the national championship with 248 points.

The tie down roping championship saddle went to Ryan Bothum of Connor with a total time of 42.6 seconds for 195 points. The short go went to Caleb Smidt of Wharton College with a time of 8.8 seconds.

Sydni Blanchard of Mesalands Community College posted the fastest time of the week with a 14.16 barrel racing run during the final go and the average with a total time of 57.87 seconds.

In team roping, Chance Kiehne and Michael Trujillo of Eastern New Mexico University captured the national championship with times of 8.8, 7.9, 12.9 and 5.8 for a total of 35.4. Chase and Chad Williams of Tarleton captured the short go with a time of 5.5 seconds.

She Be a Madam, owned by Cade H Rice of Sam Houston State University rode the Men’s AQHA Horse of the Year.

Sydni Blanchard of Mesalands Community College was the women’s rookie with 250 points.

Jason Schaffer of Howard County Junior College was the men’s rookie with 265 points.

Here is a summary:

Bareback Riding:

Average – 1. Ty Breuer, CWYC, 319; 2. Kyle Brennecke, MVC, 301.5; 3. (tie) Luke Creasy, TXTUL and Tanner Aus, IACCC, 301; 5. Seth Hardwick, PANHDL, 299.5.

Short Go – 1. Ty Breuer, 82.5; 2 (tie) Seth Hardwick, PANHDL, Nick Gutzwiler, WWCC and Tanner Aus, IACCC, 79.5.

Tie Down Roping:

Average – 1. Ryan Bothum, CONNOR, 42.6; 2. Caleb Smidt, WHARTN, 45; 3. Cy Eames, IDSU, 45.7; 4. Kyle VanBiezen, IDSU, 50.6; 5. Cory Solomon, HILL, 52.7.

Short Go – 1. Caleb Smidt, WHARTN, 8.8; 2. Kyle VanBiezen, IDSU, 9.8; 3. Ryan Botum, CONNOR, 10.3; 4. Cory Solomon, HILL, 11.

Breakaway Roping:

Average – 1. Jordan Muncy-Taton, PANHDL, 11.8; 2. Katy Strange, NETXCC, 13.9; 3. Chelsea Hoff, UNVLV, 13.9; 4. Whitney O’Rourke, SDSU, 22.4; 5. Chelsea Moore, GILLET, 6.8.

Short Go – 1. Katy Strange, NETXCC, 2.4; 2. Chelsea Moore, GILLET, 2.6; 3. Whitney O’Rourke, SDSU, 3.5; 4. Jordan Munchy-Taton, PANHDL, 4.1.

Saddle Bronc Riding:

Average – 1. (tie) Kaleb Asay, VERNON and Isaac Diaz, TARLET, 306.5; 3. Will Smith, MVC, 303.5; 4. Troy Crowser, PANDL, 299.5; 5. Jacob Crawley, TXAMU, 299.

Short Go – 1. (tie) Troy Crowser, PANHDL, Bryan Martinat, BLUE and Isaac Diaz, TARLET, 77.5; 4. Kobyn Williams, MCNSU, 75.5; 5. Jacob Crawley, TXAMU, 75.

Steer Wrestling:

Average – 1. Taylor Nahrgang, UMTW, 18.1; 2. Jason Schaffer, HOWARD, 19; 3. Brent Sutton, SDSU, 19.2; 4. Kody Woodward, NWOKSU, 19.9; 5. Jake Shaw, MVC, 20.6.

Short Go – 1, Jason Schaffer, HOWARD, 4.1; 2. Jake Shaw, MVC, 4.2; 3. Kody Woodward, NWOKSU, 4.3; 4. (tie) Mert Bradshaw, FEATHR and Dakota Eldridge, BLUE, 4.6.

Goat Tying:

Average – 1. Jordan T. Hurston, GILLET, 26.5; 2. Bailey Guthrie, WTXC, 26.9; 3. Hilary Bair, UVU, 27.3; 4. (tie) Mackenzie Pratt, WEBER and Joey Painter, BLKHIL, 27.6.

Short Go – 1, Jordan Thurston, GILLET, 6.2; 2. Joey Painter, BLKHIL, 6.3; 3. Hilary Bair, UVU, 6.4; 4. Toya Vogt, NWOKSU, 6.5.

Team Roping:

Average – 1. Chance Kiehne and Michael Trujillo, ENMU, 35.4; 2. Chase Williams and Chad Williams, TARLET, 37.5; 3. Rodee Walraven and Johnny Salvo, NMSU, 38.1; 4. Zachary Kilgus, HILL, and Shiloh Seale, TXAMU, 76; 5. Jordan Steele, UWY, and Dustin Smith, GILLET, 23.5.

Short Go – 1, Chase Williams and Chad Williams, TARLET, 5.5; 2. Chance Kiehne and Michael Trijillo, ENMU, 5.8; 3. Rodee Walraven and Johnny Salvo, NMSU, 6.3; 4. (tie) Jordan Steele, UWY, and Dustin Smith, GILLET, 6.4.

Barrel Racing:

Average – 1. Sydni Blanchard, MESACC, 57.87; 2. Rachel Tiedeman, SDSU, 57.98; 3. Jaymie Leach, UNVLV, 58.03; 4. Cassie Ward, TARLET, 58.11; 5. Jordan Munch-Taton, PANHDL, 58.20.

Short Go – 1. Sydni Blanchard, MESACC, 14.16; 2. Lauren Cox, TXAMU, 14.28; 3. Rachel Tiedeman, SDSU, 14.32; 4. Cassie Ward, TARLET, 14.34.

Bull Riding:

Average – 1. Jeffrey Askey, UTNM, 248; 2. Riggin Phillips, HILL, 247; 3. Taggert Elliott, CSID, 246.5; 4. Harve Stewart, TARLET, 244.5; 5. Trevor Kastner, WOKSC, 235.5.

Short Go – 1. Jeffrey Askey, UTNM, 88.5; 2. (tie) Trevor Kastner, WOKSC and Riggin Phillips, Hill, 85; 4. Harve Stewart, TARLET, 84.5.

Men’s Team Standings:

1. Vernon College, 682.5; 2. Missouri Valley College, 585.33; 3. Tarleton State University, 564.50; 4. Central Wyoming College, 530; 5. Panhandle State University, 485.

Women’s Team Standings:

1. Gillette College, 558.33; 2. South Dakota State University; 3. Panhandle State University, 355; 4. Western Texas College; 325. 5. Weber State University, 317.50.

Gillette College of Wyoming rode off with the women’s team title at the College National Finals Rodeo in Casper with 558.33 points to highlight the list of champions that were crowned from Montana, Wyoming and South Dakota on June 19 during the final short go at the Events Center in Casper, WY. Chelsea Moore, from Gillette College, was the reserve all-around Champion and her horse, Sonitas Fancy Dancer, was the women’s AQHA Horse of the year.

To sweeten the mix, Freshman Jordan Thurston of Gillette College won the goat tying with a total time of 26.5 points and the short go with a time of 6.2 seconds.

The men’s team title went to Vernon College of Texas with 682.5 points.

When the final buzzer sounded, Jason Schaffer of Broadus, MT finished with 265 points to share the all-around title with Caleb Smidt of Wharton College of Texas. Schaffer, who attends Howard College of Big Springs, Texas, won the championship round of steer wrestling with a time of 4.2 seconds and finished second in the overall standings.

The women’s all-around title and the breakaway title went to Oklahoma Panhandle State cowgirl Jordan Muncy-Taton. She placed fourth in the final go with a time of 4.1 seconds.

Taylor Nahrgang, a graduating fifth-year senior from the University of Montana-Western (UMW), pulled out all the stops to capture the steer wrestling championship. He posted times of 3.4, 4.9, 4.6 and 5.2 to take the title back to Dillon for Coach Ole Else. As a result, he became the fourth UMW cowboy to win steer wrestling championships while following Tim Garrison in 1989, Jesse Peterson in 1992 and Wyatt Smith in 2009. Nahrgang hazed for Smith in 2009. It was Nahrgang’s fourth CNFR.

Kaleb Asay of Vernon and Isaac Diaz of Tarleton State University shared the Saddle Bronc average title with 306.5 points. Both contestants are among the up-and-coming PRCA riders. Asay was the 2008 PRCA Rookie of the Year in the event and Diaz is already a two-time National Finals Rodeo qualifier.

The short go was shared by Troy Crowser of Panhandle State University, Bryan Martinat of Blue Mountain Community College and Diaz with 77.5 markings.

In bareback riding, Central Wyoming contestant Ty Breuer corralled both the national title with 335 points and the championship round with a 82.5 marking.

Jeffrey Askey, from the University of Tennessee-Martin, marked an 88.5 on the short go of the bull riding and also captured the national championship with 248 points.

The tie down roping championship saddle went to Ryan Bothum of Connor with a total time of 42.6 seconds for 195 points. The short go went to Caleb Smidt of Wharton College with a time of 8.8 seconds.

Sydni Blanchard of Mesalands Community College posted the fastest time of the week with a 14.16 barrel racing run during the final go and the average with a total time of 57.87 seconds.

In team roping, Chance Kiehne and Michael Trujillo of Eastern New Mexico University captured the national championship with times of 8.8, 7.9, 12.9 and 5.8 for a total of 35.4. Chase and Chad Williams of Tarleton captured the short go with a time of 5.5 seconds.

She Be a Madam, owned by Cade H Rice of Sam Houston State University rode the Men’s AQHA Horse of the Year.

Sydni Blanchard of Mesalands Community College was the women’s rookie with 250 points.

Jason Schaffer of Howard County Junior College was the men’s rookie with 265 points.

Here is a summary:

Bareback Riding:

Average – 1. Ty Breuer, CWYC, 319; 2. Kyle Brennecke, MVC, 301.5; 3. (tie) Luke Creasy, TXTUL and Tanner Aus, IACCC, 301; 5. Seth Hardwick, PANHDL, 299.5.

Short Go – 1. Ty Breuer, 82.5; 2 (tie) Seth Hardwick, PANHDL, Nick Gutzwiler, WWCC and Tanner Aus, IACCC, 79.5.

Tie Down Roping:

Average – 1. Ryan Bothum, CONNOR, 42.6; 2. Caleb Smidt, WHARTN, 45; 3. Cy Eames, IDSU, 45.7; 4. Kyle VanBiezen, IDSU, 50.6; 5. Cory Solomon, HILL, 52.7.

Short Go – 1. Caleb Smidt, WHARTN, 8.8; 2. Kyle VanBiezen, IDSU, 9.8; 3. Ryan Botum, CONNOR, 10.3; 4. Cory Solomon, HILL, 11.

Breakaway Roping:

Average – 1. Jordan Muncy-Taton, PANHDL, 11.8; 2. Katy Strange, NETXCC, 13.9; 3. Chelsea Hoff, UNVLV, 13.9; 4. Whitney O’Rourke, SDSU, 22.4; 5. Chelsea Moore, GILLET, 6.8.

Short Go – 1. Katy Strange, NETXCC, 2.4; 2. Chelsea Moore, GILLET, 2.6; 3. Whitney O’Rourke, SDSU, 3.5; 4. Jordan Munchy-Taton, PANHDL, 4.1.

Saddle Bronc Riding:

Average – 1. (tie) Kaleb Asay, VERNON and Isaac Diaz, TARLET, 306.5; 3. Will Smith, MVC, 303.5; 4. Troy Crowser, PANDL, 299.5; 5. Jacob Crawley, TXAMU, 299.

Short Go – 1. (tie) Troy Crowser, PANHDL, Bryan Martinat, BLUE and Isaac Diaz, TARLET, 77.5; 4. Kobyn Williams, MCNSU, 75.5; 5. Jacob Crawley, TXAMU, 75.

Steer Wrestling:

Average – 1. Taylor Nahrgang, UMTW, 18.1; 2. Jason Schaffer, HOWARD, 19; 3. Brent Sutton, SDSU, 19.2; 4. Kody Woodward, NWOKSU, 19.9; 5. Jake Shaw, MVC, 20.6.

Short Go – 1, Jason Schaffer, HOWARD, 4.1; 2. Jake Shaw, MVC, 4.2; 3. Kody Woodward, NWOKSU, 4.3; 4. (tie) Mert Bradshaw, FEATHR and Dakota Eldridge, BLUE, 4.6.

Goat Tying:

Average – 1. Jordan T. Hurston, GILLET, 26.5; 2. Bailey Guthrie, WTXC, 26.9; 3. Hilary Bair, UVU, 27.3; 4. (tie) Mackenzie Pratt, WEBER and Joey Painter, BLKHIL, 27.6.

Short Go – 1, Jordan Thurston, GILLET, 6.2; 2. Joey Painter, BLKHIL, 6.3; 3. Hilary Bair, UVU, 6.4; 4. Toya Vogt, NWOKSU, 6.5.

Team Roping:

Average – 1. Chance Kiehne and Michael Trujillo, ENMU, 35.4; 2. Chase Williams and Chad Williams, TARLET, 37.5; 3. Rodee Walraven and Johnny Salvo, NMSU, 38.1; 4. Zachary Kilgus, HILL, and Shiloh Seale, TXAMU, 76; 5. Jordan Steele, UWY, and Dustin Smith, GILLET, 23.5.

Short Go – 1, Chase Williams and Chad Williams, TARLET, 5.5; 2. Chance Kiehne and Michael Trijillo, ENMU, 5.8; 3. Rodee Walraven and Johnny Salvo, NMSU, 6.3; 4. (tie) Jordan Steele, UWY, and Dustin Smith, GILLET, 6.4.

Barrel Racing:

Average – 1. Sydni Blanchard, MESACC, 57.87; 2. Rachel Tiedeman, SDSU, 57.98; 3. Jaymie Leach, UNVLV, 58.03; 4. Cassie Ward, TARLET, 58.11; 5. Jordan Munch-Taton, PANHDL, 58.20.

Short Go – 1. Sydni Blanchard, MESACC, 14.16; 2. Lauren Cox, TXAMU, 14.28; 3. Rachel Tiedeman, SDSU, 14.32; 4. Cassie Ward, TARLET, 14.34.

Bull Riding:

Average – 1. Jeffrey Askey, UTNM, 248; 2. Riggin Phillips, HILL, 247; 3. Taggert Elliott, CSID, 246.5; 4. Harve Stewart, TARLET, 244.5; 5. Trevor Kastner, WOKSC, 235.5.

Short Go – 1. Jeffrey Askey, UTNM, 88.5; 2. (tie) Trevor Kastner, WOKSC and Riggin Phillips, Hill, 85; 4. Harve Stewart, TARLET, 84.5.

Men’s Team Standings:

1. Vernon College, 682.5; 2. Missouri Valley College, 585.33; 3. Tarleton State University, 564.50; 4. Central Wyoming College, 530; 5. Panhandle State University, 485.

Women’s Team Standings:

1. Gillette College, 558.33; 2. South Dakota State University; 3. Panhandle State University, 355; 4. Western Texas College; 325. 5. Weber State University, 317.50.

Gillette College of Wyoming rode off with the women’s team title at the College National Finals Rodeo in Casper with 558.33 points to highlight the list of champions that were crowned from Montana, Wyoming and South Dakota on June 19 during the final short go at the Events Center in Casper, WY. Chelsea Moore, from Gillette College, was the reserve all-around Champion and her horse, Sonitas Fancy Dancer, was the women’s AQHA Horse of the year.

To sweeten the mix, Freshman Jordan Thurston of Gillette College won the goat tying with a total time of 26.5 points and the short go with a time of 6.2 seconds.

The men’s team title went to Vernon College of Texas with 682.5 points.

When the final buzzer sounded, Jason Schaffer of Broadus, MT finished with 265 points to share the all-around title with Caleb Smidt of Wharton College of Texas. Schaffer, who attends Howard College of Big Springs, Texas, won the championship round of steer wrestling with a time of 4.2 seconds and finished second in the overall standings.

The women’s all-around title and the breakaway title went to Oklahoma Panhandle State cowgirl Jordan Muncy-Taton. She placed fourth in the final go with a time of 4.1 seconds.

Taylor Nahrgang, a graduating fifth-year senior from the University of Montana-Western (UMW), pulled out all the stops to capture the steer wrestling championship. He posted times of 3.4, 4.9, 4.6 and 5.2 to take the title back to Dillon for Coach Ole Else. As a result, he became the fourth UMW cowboy to win steer wrestling championships while following Tim Garrison in 1989, Jesse Peterson in 1992 and Wyatt Smith in 2009. Nahrgang hazed for Smith in 2009. It was Nahrgang’s fourth CNFR.

Kaleb Asay of Vernon and Isaac Diaz of Tarleton State University shared the Saddle Bronc average title with 306.5 points. Both contestants are among the up-and-coming PRCA riders. Asay was the 2008 PRCA Rookie of the Year in the event and Diaz is already a two-time National Finals Rodeo qualifier.

The short go was shared by Troy Crowser of Panhandle State University, Bryan Martinat of Blue Mountain Community College and Diaz with 77.5 markings.

In bareback riding, Central Wyoming contestant Ty Breuer corralled both the national title with 335 points and the championship round with a 82.5 marking.

Jeffrey Askey, from the University of Tennessee-Martin, marked an 88.5 on the short go of the bull riding and also captured the national championship with 248 points.

The tie down roping championship saddle went to Ryan Bothum of Connor with a total time of 42.6 seconds for 195 points. The short go went to Caleb Smidt of Wharton College with a time of 8.8 seconds.

Sydni Blanchard of Mesalands Community College posted the fastest time of the week with a 14.16 barrel racing run during the final go and the average with a total time of 57.87 seconds.

In team roping, Chance Kiehne and Michael Trujillo of Eastern New Mexico University captured the national championship with times of 8.8, 7.9, 12.9 and 5.8 for a total of 35.4. Chase and Chad Williams of Tarleton captured the short go with a time of 5.5 seconds.

She Be a Madam, owned by Cade H Rice of Sam Houston State University rode the Men’s AQHA Horse of the Year.

Sydni Blanchard of Mesalands Community College was the women’s rookie with 250 points.

Jason Schaffer of Howard County Junior College was the men’s rookie with 265 points.

Here is a summary:

Bareback Riding:

Average – 1. Ty Breuer, CWYC, 319; 2. Kyle Brennecke, MVC, 301.5; 3. (tie) Luke Creasy, TXTUL and Tanner Aus, IACCC, 301; 5. Seth Hardwick, PANHDL, 299.5.

Short Go – 1. Ty Breuer, 82.5; 2 (tie) Seth Hardwick, PANHDL, Nick Gutzwiler, WWCC and Tanner Aus, IACCC, 79.5.

Tie Down Roping:

Average – 1. Ryan Bothum, CONNOR, 42.6; 2. Caleb Smidt, WHARTN, 45; 3. Cy Eames, IDSU, 45.7; 4. Kyle VanBiezen, IDSU, 50.6; 5. Cory Solomon, HILL, 52.7.

Short Go – 1. Caleb Smidt, WHARTN, 8.8; 2. Kyle VanBiezen, IDSU, 9.8; 3. Ryan Botum, CONNOR, 10.3; 4. Cory Solomon, HILL, 11.

Breakaway Roping:

Average – 1. Jordan Muncy-Taton, PANHDL, 11.8; 2. Katy Strange, NETXCC, 13.9; 3. Chelsea Hoff, UNVLV, 13.9; 4. Whitney O’Rourke, SDSU, 22.4; 5. Chelsea Moore, GILLET, 6.8.

Short Go – 1. Katy Strange, NETXCC, 2.4; 2. Chelsea Moore, GILLET, 2.6; 3. Whitney O’Rourke, SDSU, 3.5; 4. Jordan Munchy-Taton, PANHDL, 4.1.

Saddle Bronc Riding:

Average – 1. (tie) Kaleb Asay, VERNON and Isaac Diaz, TARLET, 306.5; 3. Will Smith, MVC, 303.5; 4. Troy Crowser, PANDL, 299.5; 5. Jacob Crawley, TXAMU, 299.

Short Go – 1. (tie) Troy Crowser, PANHDL, Bryan Martinat, BLUE and Isaac Diaz, TARLET, 77.5; 4. Kobyn Williams, MCNSU, 75.5; 5. Jacob Crawley, TXAMU, 75.

Steer Wrestling:

Average – 1. Taylor Nahrgang, UMTW, 18.1; 2. Jason Schaffer, HOWARD, 19; 3. Brent Sutton, SDSU, 19.2; 4. Kody Woodward, NWOKSU, 19.9; 5. Jake Shaw, MVC, 20.6.

Short Go – 1, Jason Schaffer, HOWARD, 4.1; 2. Jake Shaw, MVC, 4.2; 3. Kody Woodward, NWOKSU, 4.3; 4. (tie) Mert Bradshaw, FEATHR and Dakota Eldridge, BLUE, 4.6.

Goat Tying:

Average – 1. Jordan T. Hurston, GILLET, 26.5; 2. Bailey Guthrie, WTXC, 26.9; 3. Hilary Bair, UVU, 27.3; 4. (tie) Mackenzie Pratt, WEBER and Joey Painter, BLKHIL, 27.6.

Short Go – 1, Jordan Thurston, GILLET, 6.2; 2. Joey Painter, BLKHIL, 6.3; 3. Hilary Bair, UVU, 6.4; 4. Toya Vogt, NWOKSU, 6.5.

Team Roping:

Average – 1. Chance Kiehne and Michael Trujillo, ENMU, 35.4; 2. Chase Williams and Chad Williams, TARLET, 37.5; 3. Rodee Walraven and Johnny Salvo, NMSU, 38.1; 4. Zachary Kilgus, HILL, and Shiloh Seale, TXAMU, 76; 5. Jordan Steele, UWY, and Dustin Smith, GILLET, 23.5.

Short Go – 1, Chase Williams and Chad Williams, TARLET, 5.5; 2. Chance Kiehne and Michael Trijillo, ENMU, 5.8; 3. Rodee Walraven and Johnny Salvo, NMSU, 6.3; 4. (tie) Jordan Steele, UWY, and Dustin Smith, GILLET, 6.4.

Barrel Racing:

Average – 1. Sydni Blanchard, MESACC, 57.87; 2. Rachel Tiedeman, SDSU, 57.98; 3. Jaymie Leach, UNVLV, 58.03; 4. Cassie Ward, TARLET, 58.11; 5. Jordan Munch-Taton, PANHDL, 58.20.

Short Go – 1. Sydni Blanchard, MESACC, 14.16; 2. Lauren Cox, TXAMU, 14.28; 3. Rachel Tiedeman, SDSU, 14.32; 4. Cassie Ward, TARLET, 14.34.

Bull Riding:

Average – 1. Jeffrey Askey, UTNM, 248; 2. Riggin Phillips, HILL, 247; 3. Taggert Elliott, CSID, 246.5; 4. Harve Stewart, TARLET, 244.5; 5. Trevor Kastner, WOKSC, 235.5.

Short Go – 1. Jeffrey Askey, UTNM, 88.5; 2. (tie) Trevor Kastner, WOKSC and Riggin Phillips, Hill, 85; 4. Harve Stewart, TARLET, 84.5.

Men’s Team Standings:

1. Vernon College, 682.5; 2. Missouri Valley College, 585.33; 3. Tarleton State University, 564.50; 4. Central Wyoming College, 530; 5. Panhandle State University, 485.

Women’s Team Standings:

1. Gillette College, 558.33; 2. South Dakota State University; 3. Panhandle State University, 355; 4. Western Texas College; 325. 5. Weber State University, 317.50.