BMCC Rodeo Qualifies 5 for College National Finals
BMCC Rodeo Qualifies 5 for College National Finals
PENDLETON, Ore. – Since 1966, Blue Mountain Community College Rodeo has made a name for itself as a top competitor in the Northwest Region. As BMCC held its final event of the year at the Eastern Oregon Trade & Event Center in Hermiston, OR, history continued to be made. Five BMCC student-athletes will be taking their talents to Casper, Wyoming to the College National Finals Rodeo.
It came down to a final push for points for the men’s title but with strong showings from Preston Pederson, Duncan Makenzie, Bryce Harrison, and Payton Wright, the BMCC men’s rodeo team captured the men’s team title over Walla Walla Community College by 800 points. The BMCC women’s rodeo team finished 4th in the team standings but were encouraged by the results after a strong field of competitors. Preston Pederson captured the men’s all-around title after a strong season. On Saturday night, Preston competed against the top 10 cowboys in the Northwest Region and walked away with the title after strong showings in steer wrestling, tie down roping, and team roping. Preston will travel to Casper, WY to compete in steer wrestling and tie down roping where he finished 3rd and 2nd, respectively. Bryce Harrison put his name on the map and will also be traveling to the CNFR as winning the steer wrestling event on Saturday night. Duncan Makenzie was not about to be left out of the party to Wyoming as he punched his ticket to the CNFR in tie down roping finishing 3rd overall. Payton Wright had already locked up his title in the bareback but wanted to ensure it was his as he was the only rider all weekend to complete a ride. Clay Hall had quite the cheering section from Australia cheering him on as he walked his way to the Northwest Region title for bull riding by 300 points.
Coaches Shawn Eng and Kayla Tiegs were very encouraged with their team’s performance this past weekend. Coach Eng had this to say, “Kayla and I were very pleased with the performance of the team. We had a lot of freshmen this year and got off to a slow start but ended with a stellar performance to put us over the top. I am looking straight ahead to Casper with the men we have qualified from both ends of the arena in the timed events and rough stock, we will be going with a legit shot at a national title.”
Click here for current standings in the Northwest Region.
FOLLOW BMCC ATHLETICS
Contact: Jordan Hillmick; Sports Information Specialist; 541-278-5964; jhillmick@bluecc.edu