December 2004
UM-Western Rodeo Club Horse Sale Set for November 6, 2004
Wednesday, December 8 2004
DILLON - The University of Montana-Western Rodeo Club's All-Class Horse sale is set for Saturday, November 6, 2004, beginning at 1:00 p.m. at the Beaverhead Livestock Auction. The sale features outstanding weanlings and yearlings. Current sale consigners include Delbert Carter of Corvalilis, Cal and Brooke Erb of Dillon, Cathy Tash of Twin Bridges, Tash Quarter Horses of Polaris and Dick and Nancy Klick of Augusta. All commissions generously are donated by the Beaverhead Livestock Auction for Rodeo Club scholarships to further students' education. For additional information or consignment details, please call 683-2002, 683-2246, or 683-7539
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Browning Bronc Rider Joins Western Rodeo
Wednesday, December 8 2004
July 6, 2004 -- Jarrett Monroe, a 2002 graduate of Browning High School, has signed an NIRA letter of intent to rodeo for the University of Montana Western, according to head coach Olie Else.
Monroe transfers to Western from Miles Community College. He qualified for the College National Finals Rodeo in 2003 in saddle bronc riding and placed third in the nation. Monroe was the Big Sky Region's Reserve Champion in saddle bronc riding.
In high school, he won three District All-Around buckle three years in a row, he won two saddle bronc titles, and one bull riding title. Monroe qualified for the Montana State High School rodeo all four years and won two saddle bronc titles, was the reserve bull riding champion once and the All-Around champion once. He was a two-time qualifier to the National High School Rodeo Finals winning a national championship in saddle bronc in 2002.
"This is a great signing for our rodeo program," said Else. "Jarrett is a great athlete who had his pick of schools to transfer to. We are thrilled that he is coming to Western. Not only is he a top hand, but he is a good kid who will be a fine addition to the Western rodeo family."
Monroe was the saddle bronc champion at the 2003 Indian National Finals at Soboba, California.
In the classroom, he was selected to Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities. He is the son of Hughie and Laura Monroe.
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Western Finishes Strong in Casper
Wednesday, December 8 2004
by Rainey Smith
June 20, 2004 -- As the books closed on the 2004 Collegen National Finals Rodeo UM - Western put in a strong bid for the national title.
The top placing athlete was Bry Worthen, who finished up the year as the National Reserve Breakaway Roper. Worthen drew tough calves all week long but stuck with the leaders despite a chipped bone in the thumb of her roping hand. Heading into the final round, she was a mere 1.6 seconds behind the leader. Teammate and cousin Maquel Fleming was .5 seconds ahead of Worthen. When the dust settled, it was Worthen in second place and Fleming in fifth. MSU ropers Milee Malone and CeeCee Tryan ended up in 17th and 46th respectively.
Jessie Heggie, a senior from Canada, finished up his collegiate career with a ninth place finish in the Steer Wrestling. Always a strong competitor, Heggie put 2 solid runs together with a second round win to come back to the final round. With a sixth place finish in the final round, Heggie locked himself into his ninth place finish. Dillon native and Western teammate Jabe Anderson didn't make it back to the final round after a disappointing no time in the second round. He still ended up in 21st place overall. Dawson Community College cowboy AJ Franzen posted the highest standing for the Big Sky Region with a seventh place finish.
Freshman talent Mac Erickson made an impressive debut in the Bull Riding. After a no score on his first bull, Erickson recovered and took home second place in the next round. By following that up with a solid third bull, he found himself in the final round at his first CNFR. Unfortunately the bulls proved to be tougher than the cowboys for all but three athletes and Erickson did not make a qualified ride. He ended up in 12th place in the event and 15th in the Rookie of the Year standings. Outgoing Regional Student Director Travis Burian of MSU ended up in eighth place overall and Northwest College teammates Aaron Kafka and Clayton Tucker took home 17th and 20th.
Although Krystal Roberts didn't make it back to the final round, she still ended up in 22nd place overall. MSU teammates Marissa Black and Lauren Watson ended up their years in 21st and 22nd places. Missoula's Gretchen Benbenek, who rodeos for Oklahoma State University, turned in a stellar performance and ended up in third place after everything was said and done.
Western's Chase Erickson turned in strong three rides to end up in 19th overall. Northwest College cowboy Wade Sankey headed into the final round in second place only to have his hopes dashed when he overspurred his horse and turned in a no score in the final round. He ended up a respectable tenth in the nation, but was disappointed in his last ride. Teammate Dale Stoller ended up in 16th.
Although Western didn't send anyone to the rodeo in the Tie Down Roping, there were still three Big Sky athletes to represent the region. Northwest College's Henry Hollenbeck came back to the final round, but a no time placed him in 10th to end out the year. Dawson College's Clint Cobb ended up in 27th and UM's Warren Adams placed 35th.
After a disappointing first run in which her goat got up, Western's Michelle Wock turned in two runs that captured 46th place for her in the Goat Tying. While the rodeo wasn't what Wock hoped for, it was still a great experience for the junior from Butte. MSU's Marissa Black ended up in 22nd, while Northwest College freshman Kayla McInerney placed 25th and Dawson College cowgirl Annie Dillman took home 34th.
Dawson College Saddle Bronc Rider Joesy Hauser was the highest placing cowboy in that event with his 20th place finish. He was followed closely by MSU's Colt Moedl who ended up 24th and Northwest cowboys Shane Proctor and Wade Sankey who ended up 32nd and 33rd.
The highest placing Big Sky Team Roping team was the team from Western, Tate Dempewolf and Mike Mori. The pair ended up in 16th place after being at the top of the standings all year long. They were followed by MSU cowboy Chase Gauger roping with Northwest's Ty Larson in 22nd, Dawson's AJ Franzen and MSU's Colt Tew in 34th and Colt Gorrell and Clint Cobb from Dawson College in 35th.
In the team standings it was all about the Western women. The ladies from Dillon ended up in 2nd place nationally, earning them scholarship money and the honor of being the National Reserve team. The Northwest College ladies ended up in 29th. For the men, it was Western in 23rd place, leading the Big Sky pack. Northwest was close behind in 25th, MSU was 33rd with Dawson College in 54th and UM in 56th.
Overall it was a great week in Casper for all of the competing athletes, regardless of where they placed. The experience they gained through competition and the friends they made will last longer than any buckle or saddle and that really is the philosophy behind the sport of rodeo.
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Montana Athletes Doing Well With 2 Go-Rounds Complete
Wednesday, December 8 2004
by Rainey Smith
June 15, 2004 -- With almost two rounds completed and in the books, Montana college rodeo athletes are faring well at the 2004 College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR) in Casper, Wyoming.
In the Bareback Riding, Western's Chase Erickson is splitting 13th and 14th place after a score of 73 on his first horse and a 74 on his second. Staying consistent is vital with multiple rides and another ride like this might just clinch a short-round berth for Erickson. Also competing are Northwest College's Wade Sankey, who is in 4th place so far, and MSU - Northern's Dale Stoller, who is splitting 11th and 12th.
Western sent two Breakaway Ropers to the CNFR and both are performing well. Maquel Fleming had a 2.5 second run combined with a 2.7 second run to put her in a tie for 4th and 5th after two performances. Teammate Bry Worthen roped her two calves in 2.4 and 2.9 to put her just behind Fleming in 6th place. Montana State University cowgirls CeeCee Tryan and Milee Malone are also in Casper, with Malone in 25th so far and Tryan not far behind in 37th.
Representing Western in the Barrel Racing is Krystal Roberts, who is currently in 25th place overall. Fellow Big Sky Region competitors Lauren Watson and Marissa Black, both from MSU, are in 13th place and 28th place respectively. Another Montana athlete, who has headed south to Oklahoma for school, Gretchen Benbenek of Missoula is having an outstanding rodeo and is currently sitting in 3rd place overall.
Western didn't send any Tie-Down Ropers to Casper, but for the Big Sky Region Henry Hollenbeck of Northwest College is having a great finals so far. After two runs, Hollenbeck is splitting 4th and 5th place overall. Warren Adams from UM is in 37th and Clint Cobb from Dawson College is in 33rd.
In the Goat Tying, Western stand-out Michelle Wock had a rough go on her first goat. After posting a no-time, Wock turned in an 8.6 second second run. She is currently in 52nd place. Also competing are Annie Dillman from Dawson College, who is in 19th place; Marissa Black from MSU, who is in 30th and Kayla McInerney from Northwest College who is in 38th.
Team Ropers from Western Tate Dempewolf and Mike Mori are in 18th place so far with fellow Big Sky competitors Ty Larson and Chase Gauger from Northwest College and MSU in 30th, AJ Franzen and Colt Tew from Dawson College and MSU in 31st, and Colt Gorrell and Clint Cobb from Dawson College in 36th.
Western Steer Wrestler Jabe Anderson missed his second steer, but is still 24th overall. Teammate Jessie Heggie is in 13th after two rounds and AJ Franzen from Dawson is in 8th.
Although Western didn't send any Saddle Bronc Riders this year, the Big Sky Region is well represented. Regional champ Joesy Hauser from Dawson College is currently in 10th place overall after riding two broncs. Northwest College teammates Shane Proctor and Wade Sankey are in 28th place and 35th respectively. Colt Moedl from MSU is in 20th.
Closing out the rodeo with the Bull Riding, Western's own Mac Erickson, after a disappointing no score in the first round, topped the second round with an 80 point ride. This puts Erickson in 11th place overall. Clayton Tucker from Northwest College is in 17th overall with teammate Aaron Kafka in 15th and MSU's Travis Burian is in 12th.
There are 3 places to keep on top of the action in Casper; www.cnfr.com, www.rodeowyoming.com and the Western site. The Western site will only update after each performance is complete, but the other two sites will have daily results and aggregate totals.
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Western Rodeo Teams Travel to the CNFR
Wednesday, December 8 2004
June 11, 2004 -- The University of Montana-Western rodeo teams travel to Casper, Wyoming for the College National Finals Rodeo, June 13-19. Western is sending a complete women's team and a complete men's team to contend for the national title.
The Western women's team finished second in the Big Sky Region, ending a five year streak as Big Sky Regional Champions. The women's team competing at CNFR includes: Michelle Wock, a junior from Butte, Montana, who will compete in Casper for the first time. She is the regional champion in goat tying. Leadore, Idaho junior Maquel Fleming makes her second appearance at the CNFR after winning the regional title in breakaway roping. As a freshman, Fleming was the region's barrel racing champion and All-Around Cowgirl. Rounding out the women's team are senior Krystal Roberts of Geraldine, Montana and sophomore Bry Worthern of Menan, Idaho. Both women are making their second appearance in Casper. Roberts will again compete in barrel racing. At last year's CNFR, she finished 19th in the nation. Worthern went last year as the regional champ in breakaway roping.
"I feel I have an outstanding women's team going to the CNFR," said Western rodeo coach Olie Else. "Two were regional champs and three of the four have CNFR experience. Michelle is the only one without CNFR experience, but she dominated the goat tying all this year and will do just fine. This is a tremendously balanced team, one of the best we have ever taken to the CNFR."
The Western men's team also finished second in the Big Sky Region with one regional champion. The Western men's team competing at Casper includes Junior Tate Dempewolf of Lindsay, Montana who won the regional title as a header in team roping. He will be making his second appearance to the CNFR. Dempewolf was the regional champion as a freshman at Dawson Community College. Also making his second appearance at CNFR is Dillon, Montana junior Jabe Anderson. He finished second in the region in steer wrestling. Anderson, a transfer from Dawson Community College, qualified for the College National Finals in 2002 as a freshman.
Sophomore Chase Erickson of Almo, Idaho is making his second straight appearance at the CNFR. This past season, he finished second in the region in bareback riding, eighth in bull riding, 14th in saddle bronc riding and third in the All-Around. Freshman Mac Erickson of Almo, Idaho is making his first appearance in Casper. He was fourth in the Region in the All-Around standings, fifth in bareback and fourth in bull riding. Senior Jessie Heggie of Raymond, Alberta, Canada is making his third trip to Casper for the College National Finals. He finished third in the region in steer wrestling. Mike Mori, a junior from Elko, Nevada, finished second in region as a heeler in team roping.
"This a great men's team going to Casper," added Else. "I have two great steer wrestlers in Jessie and Jabe and both have CNFR experience. The Erickson brothers had great seasons, both were top ten in the year end All-Around. Mike and Tate are two of the steadiest performers in college rodeo. We are ready for Casper."
Results from the 2004 College National Finals Rodeo will be available on NIRA's web page: www.collegerodeo.com via link to www.cnfr.com.
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Women's Rodeo Team Splits the Win at Spring Opener in Bozeman
Wednesday, December 8 2004
by Rainey Smith
April 20, 2004 -- It was all about the ladies in Bozeman April 10-12. Western's women were led by Tierani Brusett, Casey Erb and Brittani Brusett in their split decision with Dawson Community College.
Tierani Brusett dominated the Breakaway Roping to take home first place with Amalia Martinez and Maquel Fleming splitting second and third. Older sister Brittani Brusset wrapped up fifth place while Jenny Frerck took home eighth and Traci Bevans ended up in ninth. All in all, Western sent six of the ten women in the short round.
Brittani Brusett also ended up placing in the Team Roping with both of her partners. She and Logan Lund of Western ended up in second while her teamwork with Ty Tash of Western earned them a sixth place finish. Brusett ended up the only competitor from any school to place in more than one event and was crowned the Women's All-Around Champion.
Senior Casey Erb came back in tenth place in the Goat Tying, but turned a great run in the short round into a second place finish. Amalia Martinez ended up in sixth with Michelle Wock right behind her in eighth. Krystal Roberts placed third in the Barrel Racing with two nice runs and Denali Solomon split fifth and sixth while Bry Worthen ended up in tenth.
The Men's team ended up in fourth place overall with only a few men making a stand in the short round. Chase Erickson won the Bareback Riding after several re-rides. Brother Mac ended up splitting fourth and fifth in the event. Coupled with his fifth place finish in the Bull Riding, Mac ended up splitting fifth and sixth in the Men's All-Around. Also placing in the Bull Riding were Chase Erickson, who split sixth and seventh, and Kirby Nemitz who ended up in eighth.
Outgoing student body president Tate Else wrapped up a nice second place finish in the Calf Roping. Teammate Mike Mori ended up eighth in the event. Dillon native Jabe Anderson ended up in sixth place in the Steer Wrestling.
It's off to Glendive for the Western team next. Keep an eye on the site for more updates and news.
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Western Rodeo Hosts Another Successful "Rope and Ski"
Wednesday, December 8 2004
by Iola Else
March 9, 2004 -- The annual Western Rodeo Rope and Ski was held this past weekend with the roping on Saturday Night At the Don Harrington Arena. Tyler Holland and Todd Garrison won the roping after a tie breaker rope off. Chase Erickson and Jessie Heggie placed second, Jabe Anderson and Cory Harrison were 3rd and Jess Martin and Tate Else finished 4th place.
The skiing consisted of a downhill slalom race and a race where the skiiers are tied together. Russell Harrison and Tyler Tash had the best combined times to win the skiing. Cory Harrsion and Jabe Anderson placed second, Todd Garrison and Tyler Holland were third and finishing 4th in the average was Shawn Downing and Jesse Peterson.
The average was won by Cory Harrison and Jabe Anderson and they won pullovers donated by Western Rodeo. Todd Garrison and Tyler Holland placed second in the average and were awarded halters by Quality Supply, Russell Harrison and Tyler Tash were awarded caps for third and Chase Erickson and Jessie Heggie finished 4th in the average. The best wreck award went to Jess Martin and he received a pullover donated by Maverick Mountain.
A team roping followed the Rope and Ski roping on Saturday night. Todd Garrison and Jessie Heggie won first with a combined time of 10.1 seconds. Pete White and Ty Tash were second with a total on two steers of 16.3, and Todd Garrrison and Logan Lund were third with a time of 16.5 seconds. Ropers and Skiers had a great time.
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"Dawgfight" Results Are In!!
Wednesday, December 8 2004
by Iola Else
March 9, 2004 -- The Straugh Gymnasium was a packed house on Wednesday night for the non alcoholic Western Rodeo "Dawg Fight," sponsored by Harrington's Pepsi and Marv's OK Tire Factory. Mark "Your Spot" Fisher of CSI and Western's Shawn "He's Our Man" Downing were awarded the best fight of the evening. David "DaLaw" Lawson of Western was awarded the best male fighter trophy. Cooper "Clocking" Muraoka of Western was awarded the trophy for the quickest knockout. Cortani "Battling" Brussett from the U of M was the best female fighter.
Shawn Davis, Western Hall of Fame Member, was honored as the Rawhide Role Model. Davis, a native of Whitehall, Montana qualified for the NFR twelve times and was World Champion Saddle Bronc three times. He is currently the General Manger for the NFR, the World Class Horse Show, the Tour Rounds and the rodeo coach for the college of Southern Idaho. Davis was joined at the Smoker by his mother Mary Davis and family. He was presented a painting of Main Hall by Vice Chancellor, Tom Yahraes, for his service to Western. The Montana Youth Challenge presented the colors for the "Dawg Fight," and were honored for making positive life style choices.
Flint Rasmussen was unable to attend the event because of family illness. Don Jesser, Twin Falls, filled in at the last minute as the announcer.
High school boxers from Anaconda, Western Students, CSI students, UM students and Chancellor Karl Ulrich boxed in the fourteen rounds.
Judges for the event were Steve Vezina, Rick Nordahl, and Ed McCarthy. Mick O'Brien of Butte was the referee and the timers were Sharon O'Brien, Floydena Garrison, and Brooke Erb. Ring girls were Bekkie Bowerman, Tammy Eberline and April Lucier.
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UM - Western Rodeo Club Sets Date for Annual "Dawg Fight"
Wednesday, December 8 2004
February 17, 2004 -- The University of Montana-Western Rodeo Club, Harrington Pepsi, Marv's OK Tire and Snake River Tire are sponsoring "The Dawg Fight", a non-alcoholic Rawhide event on Wednesday, March 3, 2004 at 7:30 p.m. in the Straugh Gymnasium on the UM-Western campus.
The "Dawg Fight" matches members of the UM-W Rodeo Team vs a solid group of cowboys and cowgirls from the Big Sky Region.
Master of Ceremonies is Flint Rasmussen, a Western Graduate and six-time Professional Rodeo Clown Association Clown and Barrelman of the Year, and five-time Coors Man in the Can.
"Dawg Fight" is a night of non-alcoholic fun featuring great boxing, ring girls and boys and special guests. Tickets are $6.00 for Students, $7.00 for General Admission, $8 for Ringside Reserved and $12.00 for Ringside. To reserve tickets or for more information, call (406)683-7539 or (406)683-2246.
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Rodeo Club Banquet Scheduled for April 2, 2004
Wednesday, December 8 2004
February 17, 2004 -- The Annual University of Montana-Western Rodeo Club Banquet is Friday, April 2, 2004 in Western's Keltz Arena beginning with a no-host cocktail hour at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:00. The evening's M.C. is Judy Wagner.
The popular annual fund raising event will feature a Prime Rib Dinner, Live Music by Spec-Fire, an Auction and Raffle.
Auction items include Bronzes, Fishing Trips, Pictures, Furniture, Pottery, Clothing, Jewelry, Gift Certificates and many more amazing items.
The silent auction will run throughout the evening with tables closing at various times to allow more time to shop and bid.
Tickets purchased before March 22 will be eligible for three $100.00 drawings.
Tickets are $30.00 for Singles, $50.00 per couple, and $175 for a Reserved Table of eight. For more information or ticket reservations, call (406)683-7539, (406)683-7305 or (406)683-2246. All proceeds benefit the UM-Western Rodeo Team.
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UM - Western Rodeo Club Horse Sale Set for October 18
Wednesday, December 8 2004
October 3, 2003 -- The University of Montana-Western Rodeo Club's All-Class Horse sale is set for Saturday, October 18, 2003 beginning at 1:00 p.m. at the Beaverhead Livestock Auction. The sale features outstanding weanlings and yearlings.
Current sale consigners include Delbert Carter of Corvalilis, Cal and Brooke Erb of Dillon, Cathy Tash of Twin Bridges, Tash Quarter Horses of Polaris and Dick and Nancy Klick of Augusta.
All commissions generously are donated by the Beaverhead Livestock Auction for Rodeo Club scholarships to further students' education. For additional information or consignment details, please call (406)683-2002, (406)683-2246, or (406)683-7539.
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Western Rodeo Holds Their Own at Hometown Rodeo
Wednesday, December 8 2004
by Rainey Smith
September 29, 2003 -- The Big Sky College Rodeo Region closed out the fall season this past weekend with the UM - Western Rodeo in Dillon. On hand were over 200 student athletes competing for points in 9 events as well as the all around and team categories.
For the teams, it was Northwest College from Powell, Wyoming coming out on top by edging out Western by just 25 points. The women's team title went to Montana State University with Northwest in second and Western in third.
The Men's All-Around title went to Chase Erickson of Western. Erickson racked up 170 points to beat out Jarrett Monroe of Miles Community College by just 10 points. Erickson collected 70 points at the rough stock end of the arena with his performance in the Bareback Riding and 100 points at the other end with a championship in the Calf Roping. For the women, it was Kelle Moore of MSU who took the honors. Moore had 120 points to beat out Annie Dillman of Dawson Community College and Milee Malone, also from MSU, who tied with 65 points. Moore had 80 points in the Barrel Racing as well as 40 in the Breakaway Roping.
Individually, it was Wade Sankey of Northwest winning the Bareback and teammate Shane Proctor coming in second. Western's own Chase Erickson placed third while teammate and brother Mac Erickson took home fourth.
The Saddle Bronc Riding title went to Jarrett Monroe of Miles Community College. Second place went to Billy Hendrickson of The University of Montana and third went to Colt Moedl of MSU. Moedl's teammate Brandon Brooks won fourth.
Northwest College cowboy Clayton Tucker topped a rank bull in the short round to earn 83 points which won him the Bull Riding buckle. Second went to Ross Lewis from Dawson while third place went to Tyler Dellen from Western and fourth and fifth was split by Mac Erickson from Western and Jim Horne from MSU. Also making the short round for Western was James Pihl, who ended up in 7th place.
Western cowboy Jessie Heggie won the Steer Wrestling with a blistering run of 4.5 seconds in the short round. The cattle were tough all weekend and only 4 cowboys made qualified runs on Sunday. In second place was Colt Gorrel from Dawson, while third went to teammate Justin Madsen and fourth went to yet another Dawson cowboy, Mike Gill.
Western took home another buckle in the Calf Roping when all around hand Chase Erickson won the average. In second was Ty Larson from Northwest while third went to Blake Knowles from MSU. Fourth place was won by Warren Adams from UM. Also making the short round from Western was Tate Dempewolf, who ended up in 8th place; Jessie Heggie, who ended up in 9th; and JD Shiner, who placed 5th.
For the Team Roping, the top honors went to Western again! It was JD Shiner and Mike Mori who scooped up two feet in the short round in just 6.6 seconds to win the average. In second was Milee Malone and Brent Konkel from MSU and third went to fellow Bobcats Blake Knowles and Wade Black. Fourth place went to AJ Franzen and Casey Currey from Dawson. Western also sent Brittani Brusett and Jessie Heggie, who ended up 7th; Shawn Downing and Kevin Krist, who ended up 8th; and Pete White and Ty Tash, who placed 6th. In addition, Western's Logan Lund roped with brother Justin Lund from Miles Community College to end up in 5th.
The Goat Tying was won by Kayla McInerney from Northwest by just .5 seconds over Western's Michelle Wock. Wock is currently at the top of the regional standings. In third was Dawson's Annie Dillman while fourth went to Jessie Johnson from UM. Casey Erb from Western ended up in 5th while teammate Amalia Martinez was sixth. Western also sent Amber Woods, who ended up splitting seventh and eighth with Josie Bishop from Miles and Whitney Wines, who ended up in 10th.
The Breakaway Roping honors went to Dillon native Tammy Eberline from Western. Second place also went to Western with freshman Coree Shiner looping two calves in just 6.5 seconds. Jenna Bell from MSU - Northern took third while Stacey Iott from Dawson took fourth. Amalia Martinez from Western took 6th overall while Amber Woods ended up in 10th.
Barrel Racing honors went to MSU, who sent 6 of the 10 to the short round. Kelle Moore from MSU was the fastest around the barrels while Tierani Brusett from Western came in close behind for second. Third went to Marissa Black from MSU and fourth was Danna Jo Whitford from Miles. The only other Bulldog in the short round was Cori Archibek, who ended up in 5th place.
It was a beautiful weekend of rodeo and now the emphasis is on studying and practicing to compete in 5 more rodeos this spring on the road to the CNFR in June. For news and updates, keep an eye on this site or on www.bigskycollegerodeo.com.
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College Rodeo Comes to Dillon!
Wednesday, December 8 2004
by Rainey Smith
September 25, 2003 -- This weekend is the annual Western College Rodeo in Dillon. The first performance starts at 5 pm on Friday at the Beaverhead County Fairgrounds followed by slack on Saturday morning at 8 am and the second performance at 6 pm on Saturday. The short-round will be held on Sunday morning at 10 am with the top 10 qualifiers being auctioned off at Papa T's at around 10 pm on Saturday (immediately following the rodeo performance. As usual, the college athletes are sharing the fairgrounds with the high school rodeo athletes so it will be a full weekend of rodeo action.
This is the last rodeo of the fall half of the season and so far the race for the CNFR has been a tough one. In the current standings, after 4 rodeos, the Men's Team leaders are Northwest College (Powell, WY) with 1,700 pts, The University of Montana - Western (Dillon) with 1,143.32 pts and Dawson Community College (Glendive) with 899.98 pts. The Women's Team standings are Montana State University (Bozeman) with 970 pts, Western with 640 pts and Dawson with 185 pts.
Among the regional leaders from Western are freshman Mac Erickson who is in 3rd in the All-Around as well as in 3/4 in the Bareback Riding and in 4th in the Bull Riding. Erickson is also in 7/8 in the Calf Roping. Older brother Chase Erickson is in 9/10 in Saddle Bronc Riding, 2nd in the Bareback Riding, 15th in the Bull Riding and 9th in the Calf Roping. Junior Shawn Downing is currently in 3rd place in the Calf Roping while teammate Jessie Heggie is in 2nd in the Steer Wrestling. Local boy Jabe Anderson is in 4th in the Steer Wrestling and MSU's Josh Boka, also from Dillon, is in 7/8 in the Steer Wrestling.
For the women, Butte's Michelle Wock is sitting on top of the region in the Goat Tying. The Breakaway Roping is dominated by Western, with only CeeCee Tryan from MSU topping the 6 girls from Western in the top 10. Junior Maquel Fleming is in 2nd in the Breakaway Roping as well as 6/7 in the Goat Tying and 2nd in the All-Around race. The Barrel Racing is Western's toughest event, with Cori Archibek holding the highest spot in 5th.
All in all, it should be an exciting weekend. For more information, call (406)683-7539 or just come on down to the fairgrounds. Keep an eye on www.bigskycollegerodeo.com for all the results.
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Western Rodeo Gains Momentum in Miles City
Wednesday, December 8 2004
by Rainey Smith
September 22, 2003 -- It was a long weekend for student athletes in the Big Sky Region this past weekend, with a double rodeo hosted by Miles Community College. With right around 200 athletes taking part in all 9 events, the action was fast and furious but Western rodeo held their own.
In the first rodeo, the Men's Team took second behind a dominant Northwest College team and the Women's Team also took second behind the Montana State Bobcats. Western had 3 men in the All-Around Cowboy race however, with Mac Erickson and Shawn Downing splitting 2/3/4 with Warren Adams from UM and Chase Erickson bringing in 60 points for 6th.
The Breakaway Roping belonged to Western with 3 of the top 4 wearing the red and black. Brittani Brusett swept the rodeo and roped two calves in 6 seconds flat to win the whole thing. In second was CeeCee Tryan of Montana State, but that was all the ladies were allowing. Third place went to Megan Lunak and 4/5 was Coree Shiner and Milee Malone (MSU). Also making it back to the short round for Western was Dillon native Tammy E
