The McNeese State University men’s rodeo team is the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA) Southern Region champion for the third consecutive year. Seven team members and one women’s team member are headed to the 2024 College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR) June 9-15 in Casper, Wyoming.
Bronc riders attending the CNFR are Isaac Richard of Eunice, Drew Bordelon of Ville Platte and Caleb Miller of Wales. Richard is the Southern Region Saddle Bronc Champion. Kash Martin, Lufkin, Texas, will compete in bareback riding.
Jude Leonards of Bell City and Brad Hesnor of Ville Platte will compete in steer wrestling. Leonards is the Southern Region reserve wrestling champion. Kash Krogman, of Lufkin, Texas, will compete in bull riding.
From the women’s team, Kamryn Duncan of Denham Springs will compete in goat tying at the CNFR.
“We’re ready! Kamryn is roping better than ever and our seniors are experienced and ready for this year,” explained Justin Browning, McNeese rodeo coach.
The McNeese women’s rodeo team won the final rodeo of the season at Hill College in Hillsboro, Texas. Kaylee Cormier, Iowa, was named All Around Cowgirl. She placed fourth in rope tying and seventh in goat tying. Duncan was the goat-tying champion. Alyssa Gary of LeBleu Settlement placed fourth, Katie Schlang of LeBleu Settlement placed sixth, Cormier placed seventh and Kat Moss of Moss Bluff placed tenth.
The men’s team placed third. In bareback riding, Jacob Lamon of Lufkin, Texas, placed fourth, Monty Fontenot of Ville Platte placed sixth, Martin placed eighth and Conner Griffith of Bradford, Tennessee placed ninth.
Bordelon was the Bronc saddle champion. Richard placed second, Izaah Bartels of New Underwood, South Dakota placed fourth, Miller placed sixth, Griffith placed eighth and Jace Nixon of Lake Charles placed ninth. In roping, Hesnor placed third.
“I am very proud of this team and the culture we have here. The team is working hard mentally and physically. Team members continually strengthen each other to be the best people they can be,” Browning said. “You can see the reflection of that in the sand.”