Rodeo Teams Continue Third Go-Round Performances at CNFR Wednesday

Casper, Wyo., (June 17, 2026)- The Missouri Valley College rodeo teams continued third go-round performances at the 2026 College National Finals Rodeo in Casper, Wyo., Wednesday evening.  Five Vikings competed in four events.

In bareback riding, Sophomore Judd Pope (Garnett, Kan.) earned a 77.0 in his third go-round ride, and currently sits seventh in the go-round standings.  Pope is also eighth in the overall standings in the event, with a 229.75 in the average.

Two Vikings competed in saddle bronc riding.  Pope earned a 72.5 in his third go-round ride to sit No. 11 so far in the round, and Freshman Creek Caldwell (Bainbridge, Ind.) had a 72 ride to come in at No. 12 in the go-round.  Both Pope and Caldwell finished with two scores in the event.  Pope had a 66 in the first go-round and Caldwell added a 56.5 in the second go-round.

Freshman Jace Hensley (Paola, Kan.) competed in the third go-round of bull riding.  Hensley finished with no-score on the ride.  He won the second go-round with an 84.5.

The only Viking cowgirl to compete was Sophomore Ruby Espey (Lone Jack, Mo.) in breakaway roping.  Espey finished with no-score in her third go-round.  Espey won the first go-round with a 2.1, but had rides of no-score in her other two go-rounds.

After the first two go-rounds the Viking men's rodeo team is fifth in the standings with 300 points and the women's team is seventh with 70 points.

The 2026 CNFR continues through Saturday at the Ford Wyoming Center in Casper, Wyo.  Third performances continue through Friday.  The short go-round will finish the championship competition, Saturday.  The Missouri Valley College men's rodeo team was the reserve National champions at the 2025 CNFR.

Full Competition Schedule:

Treg Huver-Saddle Bronc Riding: June 18

Kooper Heimburg-Bareback Riding: June 19

Jason Wilson-Bareback Riding: June 18

Codie Vaughan-Breakaway: June 19

Victoria Whitehead-Goat Tying: June 18

Results-Click Here