By SARAH OTTO
Student Reporter
The men’s rodeo team claimed second, only trailing Oklahoma Panhandle State University by 45 points, and the women’s team took third on the weekend at the Woodward college rodeo.
Once again, Northwestern took control of the steer wrestling. Jacob Elder walked away with the championship title. Maverick Harper finished third, Tyrel Cline fifth, Ty Batie seventh, and Layne Livermont wrapped up the weekend ninth.
Edler, an Iowa senior, felt fortunate to draw two good steers, using them to his advantage to clinch the championship title. Edler has pretty high goals for his senior year, he wants to win the region and the college national championship.
Last year, he became very close to accomplishing those goals, but did not get it done. Last year’s defeat adds fuel to Edler’s already self-determined mind to accomplish his goals. He also thinks pretty highly of his team. He said, “I would like the men’s and women’s teams to win the region. We have some great athletes this year, and I think that we can get it done.” Elder, like any other cowboy, dreams of making the National Finals Rodeo someday.
Edler grew up on a farm, not having anything to do with horses, until he drove by his neighbor’s rodeo practice and became enthralled with the sport. He then practiced every day, quickly becoming his biggest interest, and falling in love with the sport of rodeo. He said, “This sport has taught me that with hard work and dedication you can accomplish any goals you have.”
In the event of tie-down roping, Bryson Sechrist took fifth on the weekend. In the breakaway roping, Ashton Johnson finished second, and Elli Price claimed fourth. Three Northwestern cowgirls made an appearance in the short round of the goat tying. Laremi Allred finished third, Shayna Miller fifth, and Tearnee Nelson seventh.
Only one Northwestern rough stock rider made an appearance in the short round. Not only did he make an appearance, but he claimed the championship buckle.
Austin Graham won the rodeo narrowly by one point. Graham, overly happy with his weekend, thought he drew good and rode well. He had rode his short round bronc before, which the first meeting consisted of more bucks.
The short round in Woodward posed Graham with the option of a re-ride, due to the flank falling off, but he declined the offer because he had already won the rodeo. Graham has made an appearance at the College National Finals rodeo three time, finishing thirteenth each time. He wants to win the college finals this year, and outside of college rodeo, he would like to win the Prairie Circuit finals.
Graham, just like Edler, never competed in rodeo growing up, until after high school graduation when he became intrigued by the sport. Graham said, “I got told I couldn’t excel in the sport of rodeo, and I used that as motivation. I was mentored by Chris Harris, whom has competed numerous times at the NFR.”
The Rangers will be back in action at home next Thursday through Saturday as they host the Northwestern Okla. State rodeo at the Woods County Fairgrounds.