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Every twist, turn, buck, throw and catch comes down to this — the National College Finals Rodeo.
Northwest College has six cowboys facing the best the nation has to offer in collegiate rodeo and the competition has been in high gear in Casper since Sunday.
NWC’s Jesse Nelson set the pace with his 73-point ride in the bareback Sunday evening, placing him in a four-way tie for 10th place.
“The top ride was an 82, but there are a lot of us jumbled together in the middle, there is a lot of good talent here.” Nelson said. “The first place guy has gone to the National Finals Rodeo and is No. 2 in the PRCA (Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association) right now — the competition is pretty stout.
“At the end of the day, it is just a name on a draw sheet and you ride the best you can and hope it turns out in your favor. For me, personally, it helps to know I can ride at that level and went riding with guys like that.”
The first 6.5 seconds of Nelson’s ride were solid, the bronc bucked straight down the pen.
“But then, I got behind on her and she jerked around,” Nelson said. “But, it was a solid ride and I feel good. I am sitting in a good spot right now.”
Between the rough ride and tough competition, NWC head rodeo coach Del Nose was excited about Nelson’s ride.
“He made a real nice ride and could have used a better horse, but we are excited,” Nose said. “His horse wasn’t the best draw, but he made a good ride and we are tickled to death.”
If Nelson’s next two rides cover, he will make the short round and that’s what the team is hoping for, Nose said. Nelson said he is feeling optimistic about his Tuesday draw.
Meanwhile, Trapper cowboys Tyler Sterner and Casey Fredericks each had a rough time in the bull riding as neither made a qualified ride.
“They (the bulls) are real ranked down here and bucked them off,” Nose said. “They were just hustling — they got overpowered.”
Many of Sunday’s bull riders only lasted 3-4 seconds, Nose said.
“Well, it wasn’t very good. It was just kind of a hard bull to ride, strung me out and jumped ahead,” Fredericks said. “I wouldn’t want to get on him again. They only rode a few of them, so hopefully I will make the short round.”
Fredericks will be back in the chutes Tuesday morning for the slack and again in the evening performance. When asked what his plan is for his next ride, he said he will “keep an open mind and ride him.”
But, NWC’s bull riders weren’t the only ones to get tossed by the roughstock’s speed and rapid changes in direction. There were only six qualified rides the entire day on Sunday and that’s good news for the Trappers.
It was still too early in the week to tell how the Trappers stand or to predict what the outcome of the finals would be for the team, Nose said Sunday.
“The plan for the week is to keep charging — we will just keep rocking,” Nose said.
“Everyone is pumped up and excited,” Fredericks added.
Monday’s slack featured the best team ropers in the country, Shawn Bird and Zach Schweigert, and tie down roper Lane Lahaye. Results were not ready in time for press.
The NCFR can be watched online all week through ESPN 3.