The Wyoming Rodeo Team had four top-three finishers en route to a first place finish in Casper last weekend. 

The team picked up 585 points in the total team regional standings on the way to their first top finish of the spring, and now sit 632 points out of the second spot in the Central Rocky Mountain Region, according to the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association.

Wyoming Rodeo coach George Howard has been waiting for his teams to make a breakthrough, and he says that breakthrough came this weekend. 

“I’m excited because the men are back in contention,” Howard said.

Kade Merritt and Clayton Van Aken were the only first place finishers for the Cowboys. The duo finished first in Team Roping with Van Aken in the heeler position and Merrit at the header, according to NIRA.

“Kade Merritt is actually the number one roper in the nation right now, and that’s very exciting for us,” Howard said.  

Van Aken contributed to the effort by picking up points in the men’s all-around (finishing second place) and tie down roping (finishing sixth place), according to NIRA.  

Other top finishers for the Cowboys included: Merritt Smith who finished second in saddle bronc riding, Riley Millward who finished 12^th in tie down roping, Cameron Weddle who finished tied for 14^th in tie down roping with teammate Murray Jackson, Thomas Smith who finished seventh in steer wrestling and Miles Duffy who finished tied for 15th in steer wrestling. Weddle also finished fifth in steer wrestling. Chance Nicholls and Dahl Nicholls finished in the top 10 of team roping, according to NIRA. 

The Cowgirls did not have as much success as the men’s team, but they did pick up a third place finish in Casper. The Cowgirls had nine girls place, but only had one top three finish. 

Kaycee Nelson led the Cowgirls with her second place finish in breakaway roping. 

Howard said that both teams made big strides in their development and hopes that they can build on their performance from this weekend. 

“Our younger competitors are maturing and getting used to the competition,” Howard said. “I just hope it’s not too late.”

Wyoming has just one rodeo left in their spring schedule. The top two finishers in each conference will advance to the National Finals Rodeo in Casper this June, as will the top three finishers in each individual category. 

Merritt Smith has qualified for the National Finals Rodeo in saddle bronc riding. 

Wyoming rodeo will be off this weekend but will hit the arena again on April 29 for their home meet in Laramie.

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