NMSU records two top 10 finishes at College National Finals Rodeo

The New Mexico State University rodeo team concluded the College National Finals Rodeo on Saturday with a pair of eighth-place finishes at the event in Casper, Wyo.

Freshman Blaise Milligan (bull riding) and senior Anna Barker (barrel racing) led the Aggies with eighth-place individual finishes.

“I am extremely proud of our team at this year’s CNFR,” said head coach Logan Corbett. “As a coach, anything less than first place can be disappointing, but as a whole, I’m happy with our results. Our finish doesn’t really sum up our performance, we had multiple students just seconds away from winning national titles, we just weren’t able to finish the week. I know we’ll be back, and stronger than ever.”

In the team standings, NMSU’s women’s team finished 19th, and the men’s team was 30th. NMSU had 10 student-athletes compete at CNFR. In steer wrestling, freshman Colton Clemens finished 12th and senior Wyatt Jurney was 17th. Junior Tyler Muth qualified for the event but was unable to participate following an accident before nationals. Clemens also placed 18th in bareback riding, and freshman Cauy Pool was 21st.

NMSU had top 20 finishes from sophomore Derek Runyan, 17th in tie down roping, senior Savannah Montero, 18th in goat tying, and freshman Levi Whitley, 19th in bull riding. Additionally, seniors Jace Cooley and Carly Billington finished 26th in saddle bronc riding and 30th in barrel racing, respectively.