STEPHENVILLE, Texas — Ten rodeo athletes will represent Tarleton State University at the College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR) June 9-15 in Casper, Wyo.
Both the men’s and women’s teams captured National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association Southwest Region titles for their efforts in the 2023-24 season. The top two teams in each NIRA region as well as the top three finishers in each event qualify for the CNFR.
Saddle bronc riders Ira Dickinson, Bailey Small and Gus Gaillard, steer wrestler Landris White and bull rider Mason Spain dominated the men’s regional standings to earn their way to Casper.
Dickinson and Small, both from Rock Springs, Wyo., along with Gaillard, a two-time CNFR qualifier, took the top three slots in the regional event standings, earning individual qualification to the College National Finals. White finished third as a steer wrestler to punch his ticket, and Spain concluded the regular season in sixth place.
Goat tyers Tori Brower and Rayme Jones and barrel racers Hadley Tidwell and Jordan Driver bring a wealth of experience into the women’s competition.
Brower, a senior animal science major from Stettler in the province of Alberta, Canada, earned her second CNFR appearance with her Southwest Region title while Driver, a junior kinesiology major from Garden City, is making her third trip to Casper after taking third in the region.
Tidwell, from Tularosa, N.M., was regional reserve champion barrel racer, and Jones, from Lamesa, took third in goat tying.
Tarleton State rodeo, one of the top programs in the country, has amassed 37 national championships since 1967.
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.