Lindsey Branch, UMW Sports Information
DILLON, Mont. – After a strong 2023-24 season, the Bulldog men repeated as the reserve champions in the Big Sky Region and will return as a team to the College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR) in June. Four Bulldog men claimed regional titles after the spring season.
"We are really excited to get to the final this year. I think this group gives us a good chance to see some real success," Head Coach JT Robbins said. "The mix of experience and talented rookies make it pretty exciting."
The Bulldogs will send a total of eight men to compete at the CNFR in just under one month, with a full men's team slated to compete as a team at the finals. The Bulldog men are currently ranked as the 10th team in the country by points after this season.
In addition to the men who qualified for the finals, Tavy Leno qualified for the finals for the first time in her career in two different events.
"Tavy going down there for the women is exciting. The set up in Casper really fits Tavy's style in both events." Robbins continued.
Entries
Cade Costello, a freshman saddle bronc rider from Newel, S.D., found his way on to the college finals after he placed second in the Big Sky region in saddle bronc riding. Costello found success this season, earning numerous top five placings and a win at the first MSU spring rodeo. He is sitting at number 24 in the national rankings heading into the finals.
Trevor Kay, a junior bareback rider from Chester, Idaho, earned his third trip to the CNFR; though it will be his second trip due to an injury that sidelined him last year. He enters the finals as the number two rider in the nation after finishing on top of the average standings in the Big Sky Region this year. Kay has remained consistent this season, winning the average title in eight of the ten rodeos this season.
Gavin Knutson, a sophomore from Polson, Mont., makes his second appearance at the CNFR this year. Knutson has been an all-around cowboy for the Bulldogs, placing sixth in the men's all-around standings this season. In addition to his top placing in bull riding, Knutson placed seventh in the men's tie down roping for the region. Knutson will be competing in bull riding at the finals and enters the CNFR as the fifth ranked bull rider in the nation.
Jhet Murphy, a senior from Helena, Mont., takes his second trip to the CNFR for the Bulldogs. Murphy finished third in the team roping as a header with his partner from the University of Montana. After facing an injury early in the spring, Murphy fought back and was able to claim a spot at the finals. In addition to top three in the region in team roping, Murphy finished sixth overall in steer wrestling.
Cooper Pavkov, a sophomore header from Gooding, Idaho, and senior heeler Luke Murphy from Helena, Mont. qualified for their first trip to the College National Finals. The pair finished second overall in the Big Sky Region in team roping. The pair placed in the top three in four rodeos this year and earned a total of 501 points on the season.
Jake Deveraux, a junior header from Newcastle, Wyo., and senior heeler Teegan Leno from Sheridan, Wyo. qualified for their first trip together to the College National Finals. The pair finished on top of the standings in the Big Sky Region in team roping. The combo won both the UMW home rodeo and the second MSU spring rodeo, while also placing in the top three in numerous other rodeos this season. On his own, Deveraux finished seventh in the men's all-around standings while claiming eighth in tie down roping. Deveraux and Leno sit at number 15 in the national standings for team roping.
Tavy Leno, the lone cowgirl competing at the finals for the Bulldogs, is a sophomore from Sheridan, Wyo. Leno qualified in both breakaway roping and goat tying after she claimed third place finishes in both events in the Big Sky Region. Leno was the reserve champion all-around cowgirl for the region and won numerous buckles across the season.
The Bulldogs await the position draw for the finals that will be released on June 2 by the NIRA national office.
The College National Finals Rodeo is also expanding live television coverage on ESPN this year. All performances of the CNFR—Tuesday through Saturday will air on ESPN3.
More information on the event will be released closer to the finals.
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