STEPHENVILLE, Texas — Tarleton State University amassed 500 team points and captured first place at the season-opening National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association event at Eastern New Mexico University over the weekend.
Bareback rider Berry Kade and saddle bronc specialist Cash Wilson paced the Tarleton effort in Portales. Kade posted twin 76s for a 153 in the average for second place, while Wilson’s two-head 160 earned top honors. Jake Kesl finished sixth with a two-head 145 in bareback riding, and Gus Gaillard and Ira Dickinson were fourth and fifth, respectively.
Team ropers Wyatt Bray from Tarleton and Western Texas College cowboy Cutter Thomlinson took sixth in the long go, flashing a 6.7 time to secure a spot in the finals.
Landris White and Korbin Rice qualified for the short round in steer wrestling and tie-down roping.
With six of 14 Tarleton women in the goat tying short round, Rayme Jones led the Tarleton charge with a tie for first, followed by teammates Jada June Totten, Shyanne Bauerle, Timber Kelly, Emily McDeavitt and Mary Risse.
Also in women’s action, Ryan Heller’s combined 35.17 took second in barrel racing, and Mary Risse finished in a fourth-place tie in goat tying. Freshman Josie Carlton was fifth in the event.
Libby Winchell led the Tarleton breakaway ropers, finishing second overall, followed by Tayler Felton in a fourth-place tie and Kinlie Brennise, who clinched first-round honors in sixth in the average.
The women’s squad finished eighth.
Both Tarleton teams will be in Alpine this weekend at the Sul Ross State University Rodeo, followed by the Clarendon College Rodeo on Oct. 13-15 and the Vernon College Rodeo on Oct. 20-22 before ending the fall season at the Texas Tech Rodeo in Lubbock, Oct. 27-29.
A founding member of The Texas A&M System, Tarleton State University is breaking records — in enrollment, research, scholarship, athletics, philanthropy and engagement — while transforming the lives of approximately 18,000 students in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Bryan and online. For 125 years, Tarleton State has been committed to accessible higher education opportunities for all while helping students grow academically, socially and professionally through programs that emphasize real world learning and address regional, state and national needs.