Jessie Suazo, shown here in the Casper Events Center this past summer, qualified for the 2010 CNFR in breakaway roping as a freshman, and fully intends to make her second CNFR appearance in 2011.—Laura Hays photo
By Jordan Muncy Taton
Goodwell, Okla. — Dubbed the “Rose Bowl” of collegiate rodeo, the College National Finals Rodeo held in Casper, Wyoming, determines the national champions of college rodeo. Just two months ago, the Oklahoma Panhandle State University rodeo teams made some noise in the Casper Events Center. With six short round qualifiers and two national titles, the Aggies gave quite a performance. The women’s team landed a respectable third place finish in the national team standings, while the men finished fifth. Earlier in the year, both Aggie teams had dominated the Central Plains Region of the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA), taking each regional team title. With another season about to kick off, the Aggies hope for a repeat with both regional titles.
With nearly 80 members on the 2010-2011 team, several new faces may be seen not only on campus, but also at the Central Plains rodeos throughout all of Kansas and Oklahoma.
Spencer Wright from Utah recently settled into the small town atmosphere of Goodwell. The town may be small, but screams of rodeo love and talent. Named the Saddle Bronc Capital of the World, Goodwell may have a new saddle bronc riding legend on their hands. Spencer, younger brother of 2008 World Champion Saddle Bronc Rider Cody Wright, has already began to make a splash of his own in the sport. Coach Craig Latham chose Spencer for the team, and has a great eye for saddle bronc riding, as he made the National Finals Rodeo multiple times in that very event. Watch for Spencer’s name in upcoming Central Plains standings.
Though many new members are hoping to make a big first impression, several returning members have high hopes as well. Jessie Suazo, the sophomore cowgirl from Bayfield, Colorado made her first trip to the College National Finals in June. When asked what her main goal was for the upcoming year, Suazo replied, “Getting a good start on the team all-around. I think we have a great chance at winning another regional team title. We’re all hungry for a win.”
Other returning members to watch include Troy Crowser, the South Dakota native that finished fourth in the nation in the saddle bronc riding. Tyrel Larsen also returns after a wonderful season last year. Jordan Muncy Taton, the current National All-Around and Breakaway Champion, Seth Hardwick, who finished fifth in the bareback riding at the CNFR, and many others hope to make this season even better than ever before.
For many years, Bill Newman has continually supported the Aggie Rodeo program. Newman was a member himself, and to this day attends nearly every practice and sponsors the team by supplying the team jackets, and helping them in any way he can.
“If there’s a difference in the team now than in the last five or ten years, it’s more dedication,” states Newman. “The people really going after it are out at the practice pen even when it’s cold and windy. Also, the team is getting more recognition nationally and becoming more structured. If a person wants to learn, they have every opportunity here. Craig gives them that.” Newman is one of many local supporters excited for the new season.
Practice has already begun for rodeo team members. Coach Craig Latham provided the women’s team with a breakaway roping school hosted by Lari Dee Guy, World Champion Breakaway Roper. “Schools” such as this are scheduled throughout the year, bringing champions in each event to teach the team members how to win.
Also, in addition to everyday practice, the annual OPSU jackpots start off the first week in September. These jackpots allow team members to compete and develop their skills in a competitive environment with an opportunity to win prize money, much like the real rodeos. Anyone is welcome to compete, and those interested can contact Coach Latham at 620-428-2288 for additional details including days, times and fees.
Last year, the Aggie rodeo team captured five first place finishes in the Central Plains region, arguably the toughest and most competitive region in the NIRA. Last year two national titles were brought home to the Oklahoma Panhandle. Last year was great, but last year is over.
It is a new year with a chance to make an even more thrilling season. The first rodeo this fall is Kansas at the Colby Community College rodeo, Sept. 17-19. In addition, three more rodeos will follow Colby and wrap up the fall season. Go Aggies!
