Southern Intercollegiate Rodeo Region Produces Strong Field of National Hopefuls

The Southern Region consists of schools from all over South-East Texas and a good chunk of Louisiana. There are a plethora of athletes, from many institutions, that will be represented at the College Nationals Finals Rodeo come June.

Before diving into the full year-end highlights, the most impressive standout of the year is Kristin Reaves of Sam Houston State University. Reaves won the goat tying by nearly 500 points. She also tallied the most points in any event, men’s or women’s, with 1,139 total year-end points. There were only two other competitors who had over 1,000 points, both in the saddle bronc riding.

On top of that the Sam Houston Women’s Team earned a spot to the CNFR as reserve regional team champions. Over half of their points were accumulated from Reaves.

Joining the Sam Houston Women’s Team in Casper, Wyo. is Southwest Texas College. They beat out Sam Houston by a little over 50 points. SWTXC qualified all three of the barrel racers, led by Acey Pinkston, and is also sending breakaway roper Carlee Martinez.

In the men’s race, McNeese State University and Panola College had a battle down to the wire. MCNSU ended up coming out on top by a mere 70 points. The top five saddle bronc riders in the region all attend MCNSU. They are accompanied by the reserve champion bareback rider and a third place finish by Kash Krogman in the bull riding.

Panola College is led by a pair of tie-down ropers. The Southern Region title was claimed by Jayden Broussard and a strong season finish from Spencer Street helped secure their runner-up title.

The men’s all-around race was a battle between a pair of timed event cowboys both attending SWTXC: Tyler Calhoun and Klinton Wood. Both will be headed to the CNFR in the tie-down roping and the team-roping (both as headers).

The Southern Region has been known for producing national champions. The competition throughout the year is tough. There would be no surprise if a few national champions come out of the region this year.  

Photo Courtesy of Sam Houston State University Rodeo Team