Rodeo Finishes Competitiono at CNFR

Casper, Wyo., (June 15, 2024)- The Missouri Valley College men's rodeo team finished competition Saturday evening at the College National Finals Rodeo in Casper, Wyo.  Senior Ty Pope (Waverly, Kan.) led the team, becoming a three-time All-American for the program.

Pope was the only Viking cowboy to compete in the short go-round Saturday evening, in bareback riding.  Pope posted a 79.5 in the go-round to finish eighth in the round.  On four rides, Pope earned a 319 in the average to place third overall, 3.5 in the average back of first place.  Pope earned 255 points in the event, the second-most of all competitors.  In his three previous rides, Pope finished fourth in the first go-round with an 80, second in the second go-round with a 79.5 and third in the third go-round with a 79.5.

Pope added five points scored in saddle bronc riding after finishing eighth in the second go-round of the event with a 75, his only score.  Combined with his points earned in bareback riding, Pope finished second in the men's all-around with 260 points.  He also finished at No. 31 in the saddle bronc riding standings.

Also for the men's rodeo team, Sophomore Kooper Heimburg (San Tan Valley, Ariz.) placed No. 22 in bareback riding with a 144 in the average on two rides.  He earned 65 points after finishing in a tie for second in the second go-round with a 79.5.  In saddle bronc riding, Senior Tyler Freeman (Cadiz, Ky.) finished at No. 22 in the standings with a 140.5 in the average on two rides.  Also, the team roping pair of Senior Easton Kerby (Lancaster, Iowa) and Senior Nathan Pelke (Mondovi, Wisc.) posted no scores in each of their three go-rounds.

As a team, the Vikings placed No. 13 in the final standings with 325 points.  Pope finishes his career as a three-time All-American in bareback riding, which includes a National title in the event in 2022.

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