By: Megan Hanchey

The College National Finals Rodeo wrapped up on Saturday with Sam Houston State winning the women's team championship and Panhandle State capturing the men's title at the Casper Events Center in Casper, WY.

Hailing from the Southern Region, the Bearkats were led to the women's title by Loni Lester, who was named the CNFR all-around cowgirl and breakaway roping champion. The junior from Gonzales, Texas, also competed in the barrel racing and won the third round with a time of 13.98 seconds.

Along with Lester, Sam Houston State's team consisted of Tacy Webb, Sierra Spratt, and KL Spratt and was coached Bubba Miller. Before the short round,  Miller spoke to each contestant, assuring them to have faith in what they were doing and what they could accomplish. Lester said her fellow Bearkats are "more like a family" than a team and credited their uplifting mentality for helping lead Sam Houston State to the national championship.



Heading into the CNFR, the Panhandle State men's team was determined to add another title to its list of accolades. The six-time champion Aggies started the week off right with three go-round wins leading into the final round among its six members: Jake Finlay, Will Martin, Dylan Riggins, Josh Frost, Cody Ballard, and Nate Johnsrud.



"What made us such a competitive team was definitely a mixture of both experienced coaching, from Robert Etbauer and Shelbie Weeder, and the desire to win from all teammates, not only for ourselves but for each other," said Finlay, a saddle bronc rider.

On Saturday afternoon, six contestants from Panhandle State qualified for the short round. At least one Aggies competitor was in the bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, bull riding, and team roping. With each of the six contestants contributing points to the total, Panhandle State cruised to the national title victory.

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