NMSU rodeo team claims four national titles

The New Mexico State University rodeo team has four national champions after the completion of the College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR) June 15-21 in Casper, Wyo.

Many team members also placed in the top 20, and the women’s team placed second in the nation overall. The men’s team placed in the top 15.

“I can’t tell you how happy and proud I am of what these fine young rodeo athletes have accomplished. To have four students from NMSU win national titles in one year is a phenomenal experience. These and all of our student rodeo athletes at NMSU have worked very hard to get this far and they deserve every bit of their success,” said Jim Dewey Brown, NMSU rodeo coach.

Bailey Gow, of Roseburg, Ore., won first place in the barrel racing event. She also placed 20th in breakaway roping, giving her enough points to receive fourth place in the women’s all-around.

Megan Corey Albrecht, of Bremerton, Wash., won first in the goat tying.

Datil, N.M., native Johnny Salvo received first in the tie-down roping. Salvo also placed second in the men’s rookie standings.

Wyatt Althoff, of Gilbert, Ariz., won the all-around cowboy honor by placing in two events. He placed third in the tie-down roping event and fifth in the team roping, heeling for partner Matt Garza, of Mesquite, N.M.

Kelsi Elkins, of Aztec, N.M., received 12th place in the barrel racing.

In the goat tying event, Brittany Striegel, also of Aztec, N.M., placed sixth.

Tanner Robinson, of Mesilla Park, N.M. placed 14th in the steer wrestling.

Header Tony Steele, of Alamo, Nev., and heeler Aaron Moyers, of Moriarty, N.M., placed 14th in the team roping.

------------------------------

Photo is available at
http://ucommphoto.nmsu.edu/newsphoto/rodeo_team_finals_cw.jpg
CUTLINE: Members of the New Mexico State University Rodeo Team who placed at the College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR) are, from left, Johnny Salvo, of Datil, N.M., Megan Corey Albrecht, of Bremerton, Wash., NMSU rodeo coach Jim Dewey Brown, Bailey Gow, of Roseburg, Ore., Kelsi Elkins, of Aztec, N.M., Brittany Striegel, of Aztec, N.M., and Wyatt Althoff, of Gilbert, Ariz. (Courtesy photo by Shawna Brown)

Margaret Kovar
June 27, 2008