UMW Rodeo Claims Second Place In Region, Both Teams Qualify For CNFR

Lindsey Branch, UMW Sports Information

MISSOULA, Mont. – The Montana Western rodeo teams closed out regional competition last Saturday evening with the annual University of Montana Spring Rodeo.

Both men and women secured second place finishes in the region to qualify for the College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR). This is the first time since 2021 that both teams will be traveling to the CNFR in the same season.

Region Winners

After a strong season, the Bulldog men repeat as the reserve champions in the Big Sky Region and will return as a team to the College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR) in June.

The Bulldog women return to the finals this season after a four-year break. They will send Four women to represent the Bulldogs.

Gavin Knutson finished in second in the region in bull riding this season. This will be his third trip to the finals.  

Cole Trexler (header) and Kyler Erickson (heeler) won the region title in team roping.

Chase Martin finished third in the region for saddle bronc riding and will take his first trip to the CNFR in his career.

After sitting out most of the fall season due to an injury, Trevor Kay came out strong this spring and finished in third in bareback riding to secure his third trip to the CNFR.

Jake Deveraux placed second in the region in tie down roping and will round out the Bulldog men competing at the finals this summer.

On the women's side, two Bulldogs won the region in their events. Tavy Leno won the region in goat tying and Tynell Mclnenly finished on top in breakaway roping.

Laura Haight and Charlee Resch each secured their spot on the team heading to the finals this summer, making this their first time at the finals. Haight finished in fourth place in the region in barrel racing and Resch finished in fourth place in breakaway roping.

Up Next

The College National Finals Rodeo will be in Casper, Wyo. from June 15 through June 21. The position draw for the event will be announced on June 8 for the athletes competing in the event.

To view more about the event, click here.