Maverick rodeo is taking the country by storm. For the second year in a row, the Women’s Rodeo team at Colorado Mesa University has climbed in the rankings to qualify for College National Finals Rodeo, and this year they’ve peaked at #1 in the national ranking for multiple weeks in a row. Maintaining their ranking has been a feat, but the team is dominating with authority. Outranking schools in competitive states like Texas, Utah, Oklahoma and more, the team has their sights set on a national title to round out the successful 2024 season.
While twelve to fifteen cowgirls are eligible to compete individually, teams must designate four women to reign in cumulative points for the team at each rodeo. Wylee Mitchell, sophomore team captain, Mckenna Clingman, senior, Taylor Davis, senior, Justise Jones, junior, Izzy Yama, junior, and Haylee Stroud, freshman, have all made their contributions to team points putting them at #1.
Individually, each member is a standout competitor, holding top spots in the three women’s events: Barrel Racing, Goat Tying and Breakaway Roping. Defending their regional titles, Mitchell and Clingman are making strides. Mitchell is currently leading the region in barrel racing and Clingman is looking to win in all three disciplines again this year, while Yama is excited for another CNFR appearance and Jones is #1 in the All Around. Davis and Stroud made their CMU debut this year and are already showing up big.
Never before has the rodeo program at CMU claimed such a significant position as a team. Coach Edwards expressed his positive feelings towards the ranking. “It’s proof of the program’s growth and a testament to the women’s team and the caliber of athlete that we’ve been able to attract, train, and grow, and of course a testament to the athletes themselves and their skills, talent, and work ethic.”
As the program strives for its first ever national title, the goal is to maintain this high standing to prove CMU will continue to kick up dust in the arena. A weekend of competition and celebration kicked off on Thursday, April 11 at 9:30am on the CMU Plaza. The Rodeo Team started the day by hosting the Exceptional Rodeo, a unique opportunity for D51 high school students with exceptionalities to experience rodeo activities in a controlled and fun environment. President John Marshall and the CMU Rodeo team also invited the public to join them on the Plaza later in the evening for the Treytyn Homes Rodeo Roundup. Highlights included a mechanical bull, games and activities, the Maverick Meat Up cookoff and the Steer Stroll — an equestrian demonstration lead by cowboys and cowgirls parading livestock through campus. After all the fun, the Rodeo Team commenced competition at the Maverick Stampede Rodeo April 12 and 13 in their home arena. Proceeds from ticket sales helped support the team’s dedicated pursuit of their first national title.