Bulldogs Qualify for CNFR as Men Take 2nd, Women 3rd at Season Finale

MISSOULA, Mont. — The Montana Western rodeo teams wrapped up the regular season Saturday at the University of Montana, with the men’s team finishing second and the women placing third at the Big Sky Region finale.

With the second-place finish, the Bulldog men secured a spot at the College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR) later this year in Casper, Wyoming. The women’s team finished just outside qualification in third.

Montana Western saw strong performances throughout the weekend, highlighted by three event wins. Cardell Laughery led the way, winning both the short go and the average in saddle bronc, while Gavin Knutson claimed the short go title in bull riding.

After the long go, several Bulldogs were in strong position, including Laughery, who tied for first in saddle bronc with a 65, and Jade Ramon, who sat fifth in tie-down roping. Taylor Burgee and Tori Murnion were also in contention in breakaway roping, while Josie Robbins and Tatum Hansen posted solid early runs in goat tying and steer wrestling.

In the short go, Laughery sealed his dominant performance with a 71-point ride to win the round and secure the average title with a combined score of 136—the only rider to post two qualified rides.

Knutson delivered one of the top moments of the night, scoring an 86 to win the bull riding, while teammate Westen Wade finished second with a 79. Knutson also placed second in the short go of team roping alongside Luke Garrison.

Other notable finishes included Jeremy Kay taking second in the bareback short go, Laura Haight placing fourth in the barrel racing short go and third in the average, and Brylan Garrett and Haight finishing third and fourth in breakaway roping.

In the average standings, Ramon placed third in tie-down roping, Hansen finished fifth in steer wrestling, and Robbins took fourth in goat tying.

Montana Western will now shift focus to the College National Finals Rodeo, set for June 14–20 in Casper, Wyoming. Position draws for qualifiers will be held June 7.

The Bulldogs will be well represented in Casper, with multiple athletes qualifying across events. Coy Montgomery and Jeremy Kay will compete in bareback, while Laughery and Cade Costello qualified in saddle bronc. Knutson will represent Montana Western in bull riding and team roping alongside Garrison, and Jake Deveraux earned a spot in tie-down roping.