Montana Western Men’s Rodeo Team Finishes Third Nationally At CNFR

University of Montana Western Press Release

CASPER, Wyo. - The Montana Western rodeo team concluded its season last night at the College National Finals Rodeo, highlighted by the men's team earning a third-place national finish and Gavin Knutson being named the reserve champion bull rider.

"I'm super proud of this team and everyone that competed this week," head coach JT Robbins said. "The men's team getting third in the nation is a big deal and well deserved. I can't wait for next year."

Trevor Kay opened strong in the bareback riding, sitting in second after the first go, but was unable to finish the week due to injury.

Knutson posted a 221.5 average score in bull riding to secure the reserve champion title.

Jake Deveraux earned a top-15 finish in tie-down roping, placing 14th overall.

In team roping, Kyler Erickson and Cole Trexler won the short round and finished third in the national standings.

On the women's side, Tavy Leno capped off her season with a 45th-place finish in goat tying.

In barrel racing, Laura Haight made a strong CNFR debut, placing 14th.

Charlee Resch and Tynell McInenly also made their CNFR debuts in breakaway roping, finishing 40th and 52nd, respectively.

The Montana Western women's team placed 21st out of 35 teams.