Central Plains Region Rounds Out Fall Season at NWOSU

Northwestern Oklahoma State University hosts Ranger Rodeo in Alva, Oklahoma, marking the end of fall semester rodeos for the Central Plains Region.

Katelyn Moore | Oct 30, 2023

Central Plains Region Rounds Out Fall Season at NWOSU /

The last rodeo of the Central Plains fall season concluded this past weekend at Northwestern Oklahoma State University. With a break until spring students have time to finish and start new classes while keeping the College National Finals Rodeo in mind. Athletes with fall semester success are at an advantage, as the standings following this rodeo will be where they remain heading into the spring season.

Southwestern Oklahoma State University's womens team secured a win by only 10 points, shaking up Panhandle State University's two rodeo streak. SWOSU's success was aided by Libby Berger, topping the barrel racing average; and Shyann Gates, who won the breakaway roping. Gates, who formerly competed within the Southwest region, said this was the first short round qualification of her college career.

"I think I'm still on cloud nine," Gates said. "I always believed I would make a short go, but I didn't know if I'd ever win a college rodeo."

Camden Hoetling and Stran Morris experienced home field success, taking home the team roping title at the college's rodeo, after missing out on a close victory at last week's Cowboy Stampede. Trisyn Kalawaia, also from NWOSU, continues to dominate the steer wrestling standings, further separating himself from second after his Ranger Rodeo win.

Fort Scott Community College's Rhett Robins, Bryce Eck and Quintonn Lunsford were top three in the bareback riding again, proving the school's long-standing reputation for dominating the event.

The Central Plains Region's spring season will begin Feb. 16 in Manhattan, Kansas, followed by five additional rodeos throughout Kansas and Oklahoma. The 2024 CNFR is set for June 9 through 15 in Casper, Wyoming, showcasing the top three athletes in each event from each of the 11 National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association regions.

Published Oct 30, 2023

KATELYN MOORE

Katelyn is a budding agribusiness and agricultural communications professional with a passion for advocating for agriculture. Her life has always revolved around all things agriculture, being born and raised on her family’s Central Texas ranch. Growing up while heavily involved with her family’s first generation cow-calf operation instilled Katelyn with a greater appreciation for the western lifestyle and the tribulations that follow. Learning the process of beef cattle production early in life led to eventually raising her own market show steers and competing in livestock range judging on the National level. Still academically and agriculturally motivated, Katelyn now resides in Oklahoma where she studies agricultural communications and agribusiness at Oklahoma State University. Here, she has continued her tradition of academic excellence, using her unshakeable ambition to earn yearly accolades for her dedication and work ethic in the classroom. Now joining Sports Illustrated on their western feature, Rodeo Daily, Katelyn plans to continue advocating for western industries through her vast knowledge and agricultural competence.