Mens Collegiate Rodeo Standouts Head to College National Finals

Get ready to witness the grit, determination, and raw talent of the men's collegiate rodeo athletes as they prepare to showcase their skills on the biggest stage of college rodeo.

Madison Richmann | May 20, 2024

Ty Pope after his 2022 CNFR World Title / Pope

From the intricacies of team roping to the adrenaline rush of bull riding, male collegiate rodeo athletes have dedicated themselves year-round to try and earn a spot at the College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR) this June. Stay tuned as we delve into the electrifying anticipation surrounding this prestigious event in Casper, Wyoming, starting June 10.

As a part of the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association, athletes split into regions across the country and competed for their chance at a CNFR qualification. There are six men's events, and three men from each region qualify for each event.

The Treasure Valley Community College Mens Team has dominated all year long. The Ontario, Oregon, team is leading the men's team standings with over 10,000 points. Montana State University is following with just over 8,000 points. Missouri Valley College, Cal Poly State University, and New Mexico State University round out the top 5 men's teams.

Ty Pope has been a standout rodeo athlete for several years, coming through the high school ranks. In 2022, he won the College National Finals Rodeo Bareback Riding. His older brother, Jesse Pope, is a world champion and multiple-time NFR qualifier himself. We can expect big things for Ty again this year at the CNFR.

Take a look at the top guys, leading the national standings going into the CNFR:

Mens All-Around

1. Ty Pope Missouri Valley College
2. Ty Taylor Treasure Valley Community College
3. Zane Taylor Treasure Valley Community College

Saddle Bronc

1. Ty Pope Missouri Valley College
2. Caseyn Pearson Treasure Valley Community College
3. Garett Cunningham Treasure Valley Community College

Bareback

1. Sage Allen College of Southern Idaho
2. Trevor Kay University of Montana Western
3. Drew Lind Iowa Central Community College

Tie-Down Roping

1. Tice Hiner Walla Walla Community College
2. Daniel Miranda Cal Poly State University
3. Ty Taylor Treasure Valley Community College

Team Roping Header

1. Zane Kilgus Northeastern Oklahoma A&M
2. Cooper Cowan University of West Alabama
3. McCrae Fillmore Snow College

Team Roping Heeler

1. Lathan Dickson Southern Arkansas University
2. Hayden Clay Southern Arkansas University
3. Preston Olsen Snow College

Bull Riding

1. Brayden Liberio West Hills Community College
2. Jesse Hopper Western Oklahoma State College
3. Thayne Elshere Gillette College

Steer Wrestling

1. Zane Taylor Treasure Valley Community College
2. Ty Taylor Treasure Valley Community College
3. Logan Corta Idaho State University

Published May 20, 2024

MADISON RICHMANN

Madison Richmann calls Keenesburg, Colorado home. There you can find her parents, Justin and Shawnda, and her younger brother Rylan. Currently, she is living in Oklahoma while attending Western Oklahoma State College on a rodeo scholarship, and studying agriculture communications, where she will graduate this spring. Madie plans to continue her education and rodeo career when transferring to a university in the fall to work towards her bachelor's degree. As a breakaway roper, Madison is excited for all of the new opportunities that are continually arising for women in the sport of rodeo. Also a barrel racer and team roper, Richmann is very passionate for all things of the western way of life. As an advocate for agriculture, she plans to help educate all, about the importance of the industry. When looking into the future, Madie plans to make a career in journalism and marketing for the western sports and agriculture industries while continuing her rodeo career professionally.