Tarleton State Rodeo: A Winning Tradition
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, June 19, 2017
STEPHENVILLE, Texas—Tarleton State University’s men’s and women’s rodeo teams both finished in the top five at the 69th annual College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR), which wrapped up Saturday in Casper, Wyo.
The Tarleton men accumulated 690 points, finishing third behind national champion Panhandle State’s (Okla.) 827.5 and a 715 from Sam Houston State.
The men’s team, celebrating the 50th anniversary of its first national crown, was led by tie-down roping champion Reid Zapalac. The Smithville, Texas, roper flashed an 8.8-second time in Saturday’s short-go for a 36.7 clocking on four head.
Tarleton also notched a pair of third-place finishes with saddle bronc rider Brody Cress and bareback rider Kody Lamb. Cress, from Cheyenne, Wyo., posted the top score in Saturday’s finals, scoring an 84 for a four-ride 237.5. Lamb, who’s 78 was fourth in the short-go, finished with a four-ride 293.5. Lamb is a five-time CNFR qualifier from Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada.
Tarleton’s women, who boast four national crowns in their history, finished fifth in Casper with 280 points. Led by Lauren Bane’s ninth-place finish in goat tying, her 8.1-second time Saturday gave her a 28.4 combined score. The Caldwell, Idaho, cowgirl also took fourth in women’s all-around competition.
About Tarleton State University Rodeo
Tarleton’s renowned rodeo program is known for having some of the toughest and most talented student competitors among National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA) members. Competing for the Purple and White under the motto, “A Winning Tradition,” Tarleton’s rodeo teams have won seven national championship titles, 25 individual national championships and numerous NIRA Southwest Region titles since the program was established in 1947.
In 2016-17, Tarleton boasted one of the largest collegiate rodeo teams in the nation with 128 card-holding members. To learn more about Tarleton’s rodeo program, visit www.tarleton.edu/rodeo.
Tarleton, a member of The Texas A&M University System, provides a student-focused, value-driven educational experience marked by academic innovation and exemplary service, and dedicated to transforming students into tomorrow’s professional leaders. With campuses in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Midlothian and online, Tarleton engages with its communities to provide real-world learning experiences and to address societal needs while maintaining its core values of integrity, leadership, tradition, civility, excellence and service.
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Contact: Phil Riddle
254-968-9577
priddle@tarleton.edu
