CMU celebrates McKenna Clingman's remarkable journey from early season victory to national triumph and All Around Cowgirl Honors
Colorado Mesa University is proud to celebrate the remarkable achievements of Women's Rodeo athlete McKenna Clingman, who began the 2023-24 season with a decisive victory in Goat Tying at Southern Utah University in Cedar City and concluded her senior year with a national championship win.
In the sport of rodeo, Goat Tying holds a unique and significant place. Unlike other rodeo disciplines such as Saddle Broncs, Bull Riding, Team Roping and Breakaway, which offer numerous opportunities for professional and recreational competition post-college, Goat Tying peaks at the College National Finals Rodeo. For goat tyers, this event is equivalent to the Olympics, March Madness and the Super Bowl combined.
Clingman, a native of Laramie, Wyoming, has had a notable journey. She first qualified for the College National Finals in Goat Tying in 2021 and competed again in 2022 in both Goat Tying and Breakaway. Despite facing challenges in 2023, including a 3-rodeo handicap, she was a key member of the Mavericks team that qualified for the Breakaway, though she couldn't compete in her signature event, Goat Tying.
In her senior season, Clingman demonstrated her prowess, making the short round in 7 of 10 rodeos and amassing over 1000 points in Goat Tying alone. Her outstanding performance earned her the prestigious All Around Cowgirl title, awarded to the athlete with the highest overall points in the season in the Rocky Mountain Region.
In her final run, Clingman needed a time of 6.9 seconds or faster to take the lead. With a clean and powerful performance, she clocked in at 6.7 seconds, putting the pressure on her competition, who needed a 7.3-second run to win. Despite her opponent's impressive record, a misstep secured the victory for Clingman.
Assistant Rodeo Coach Tia Edwards praised Clingman, stating, "McKenna is a phenomenal athlete and an outstanding person. It’s been a pleasure to coach her. Knowing it was her last college rodeo, I couldn't be happier for her and our program."
Demonstrating her dedication and character, Clingman, along with Coach Edwards, fulfilled an obligation to a youth camp over five hours away early the next morning, even after a late night at the awards ceremony.
Colorado Mesa University is immensely proud of McKenna Clingman and her incredible achievements, marking a historic season for the CMU Rodeo Team.