STEPHENVILLE, Texas — Tarleton State University team roper Wyatt Bray made an immediate impact on his first steer Monday at the College National Finals Rodeo in Casper, Wyo.
Bray and his partner, Cutter Thomison from Western Texas College, flashed a 6.2-second time for third place in the go-round, just 1.4 seconds off the lead.
Saddle bronc rider Gus Gaillard scored a 74.5 for third in the go, and tie-down roper Wyatt Crandall posted a 12.7, good for 24th place heading into Tuesday’s competition.
Jordan Driver’s 14.25 and a 14.66 from Acey Pinkston put them in seventh and 24th place among barrel racers. Driver added a 3.2 time in breakaway roping, and Tori Brower clocked a 7.0 in goat tying.
Tuesday finds all four Tarleton women in action, along with three of the four men’s qualifiers.
Pinkston makes two barrel racing runs today, and the team roping duo of Bray and Thomison will make two appearances.
Barrel racer Driver, breakaway roper Tayler Felton and goat tyer Tori Brower also take to the arena for the Tarleton women, while tie-down roper Crandall and team ropers Korbin Rice and Cooper Freeman saddle up for Tuesday runs.
The CNFR runs through Saturday when team and individual event champions will be crowned.
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.