Two CWC rodeo cowboys to go to Nationals

The final rodeo of the season proved well for two Central Wyoming College rodeo cowboys as they will compete at the College National Finals Rodeo June 12-18.

Colton Miller ended the season in second place for the Central Rocky Mountain Region standings in the saddle bronc riding event. And Coltin Hill took the lead in the steer wrestling event putting him first in the region.

"Both of these guys have had a great season," said Drew Schrock, rodeo coach. "It was fun to watch Colton Miller and Travis Nelson (of Gillette) fight for first place. He has as good a chance to win the nationals. It's exciting."

Hill's horse Jack also made highlights this season, winning the regions American Quarter Horse Association Horse of the Year. This is the second time Hill's horse has won this award.

"Coltin has worked hard this season after coming back from being injured last year," Schrock said. "Winning the region was his goal which he made and now we'll see how well he places at nationals."

They are the only two CWC rodeo team members who will compete at the CNFR this year. Although other contestants will not be competing at the CNFR, some team members had solid performances during their events at the University of Wyoming rodeo this past weekend.

Miller who placed second in the region standings for saddle bronc riding also placed second at the rodeo, scoring 71 points in the long go-round and 77 in the short go-round. Brady Thurston scored 59 points in the long go-round and was unable to make the eight second ride in the short go-round resulting in a no score and putting him in the tenth spot. Thurston also placed in the tie down roping. He received a time of 13.2 seconds in the long go-round and 12.9 seconds in the short go-round resulting in sixth place overall. Thurston finalized the season in 12th place for the region standings.

In the steer wrestling event Coltin Hill placed first with a time of 4.4 seconds in the long go-round and 5.1 seconds in the short go-round. Thurston placed tenth overall with a time of 4.1 seconds in the long go-round and missed his steer in the short go-round resulting in a no time. Overall in region standings Thurston placed seventh and Dalton Burgener placed 14th.

Although Kassie Kautzman didn't make it back to the short go-round she finished the season in ninth for the region. Kautzman finished the season with 253.33 points, just 71 points away to making it to finals.

The men's team finalized their team points with a total of 2,833.33 points putting them in fifth. First place went to Chadron State College with 4,460 points and second place went to Casper College with 3,490.83 points.

"I'm looking forward to next year. We have some things to work on but we have returning team members who have done well this season and will continue to improve for next season," Schrock said. "We also have a great freshman group joining the team, so I'm excited to see what next season brings."