Rodeo Opens CNFR With Two Champions in First Go-Rounds
Casper, Wyo., (June 14, 2026)- The Missouri Valley College rodeo teams opened competition at the 2026 College National Finals Rodeo in Casper, Wyo., with first go-rounds in bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, bull riding and breakaway roping. A total of nine Vikings competed in four events, which included two go-round champions.
In bareback riding, the Vikings were led by Senior Kooper Heimburg (San Tan Valley, Ariz.) who won the first go-round with a score of 86.75. Heimburg was the reserve National champion in the event at the 2025 CNFR, and this is the second time he has captured a go-round in his career, also winning the third go-round last year.
Three other Vikings competed in the first go-round of bareback riding. Junior Collin Roland (Childersburg, Ala.) was sixth in an 81.25, Sophomore Jason Wilson (Bennington, Vt.) followed in ninth with a 79.25 and Sophomore Judd Pope (Garnett, Kan.) had a 75.5 to place No. 15 in the go-round standings.
In saddle bronc riding, the team was led by Pope who placed No. 23 in the go-round with a 66.0. Both Freshman Creek Caldwell (Bainbridge, Ind.) and Sophomore Treg Huver (Nashville, Mich.) finished with no-score in their first go-round rides.
In bull riding, Freshman Jace Hensley (Paola, Kan.) opened with a no-score in his first go-round.
The Viking women's rodeo team was led by Sophomore Ruby Espey (Lone Jack, Mo.), who finished in a four-way tie for the first go-round title in breakaway roping with a 2.1. Espey becomes the first Viking cowgirl to take first in a go-round at the CNFR since Kenlie Raby won the third go-round of breakaway roping in 2023. Sophomore Codie Vaughan (Searcy, Ark.) also competed in the event, but finished with a no-score in the round.
The 2026 CNFR continues through June 20 at the Ford Wyoming Center in Casper, Wyo. First and second performances will continue Monday and last through Tuesday morning. Third performances begin Tuesday evening and 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:
Creek Caldwell-Saddle Bronc Riding: June 16 (Morning), June 17
Treg Huver-Saddle Bronc Riding: June 16 (Morning), June 18
Judd Pope-Saddle Bronc Riding: June 15, June 17
Kooper Heimburg-Bareback Riding: June 15, June 19
Collin Roland-Bareback Riding: June 16 (Morning), June 16 (Evening)
Jason Wilson-Bareback Riding: June 15, June 18,
Judd Pope-Bareback Riding: June 16 (Morning), June 17
Jace Hensley-Bull Riding: June 16 (Morning), June 17
Codie Vaughan-Breakaway June 15, June 19
Ruby Espey-Breakaway Roping: June 15, June 17
Addyson Derr-Goat Tying: June 15, June 16 (Morning), June 16 (Evening)
Victoria Whitehead-Goat Tying: June 15, June 16 (Morning), June 16 (Evening)
Josie Waldenberger-Goat Tying: June 15, June 16 (Morning), June 18
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About Missouri Valley College
Standing out as one of the most innovative and student-focused liberal arts colleges in the Midwest, Missouri Valley College (MVC) is committed to preparing students for success beyond the classroom. Through the Viking Voyage program, MVC prioritizes career readiness from day one, equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed to excel after graduation. Each of MVC's 30+ in-demand majors—including nursing, business, cybersecurity, computer science, criminal justice, and exercise science—integrates personal instruction, experiential learning, and professional opportunities to prepare graduates to thrive in a rapidly changing and globally connected world. At Missouri Valley College, higher education is more than earning a degree—it's a transformative journey that begins with the end.