Wednesday, May 9, 2007

NMSU qualifies 15 for national rodeo finals

News-Bulletin Reports

The New Mexico State University men's and women's rodeo teams are National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association Grand Canyon Region champions after hosting the final rodeo of the season April 28-29.

"We finished first in the region, and that's what our goal was," said Jim Brown, NMSU rodeo coach.

The Aggies' men's team got help from a couple of Valencia County cowboys.

J.W. Nicholson of Bosque Farms was the champion steer wrestler at the rodeo. He finished third overall in the region, earning him a trip to the College Nationals Finals Rodeo in Casper, Wyo., next month.

The top three from each region qualify for the national rodeo.

Dean Daly of Belen also is headed to nationals. He placed second in the region in saddle bronc riding.

For the NMSU women, Jonna Bizzell of Los Lunas also qualified for the national rodeo. After a second place finish in goat tying at the Las Cruces rodeo, she places third in the region.

Bizzell, Daly and Nicholson are among 15 NMSU athletes qualified for the national rodeo.

"We'll have great representation at the finals. Hopefully, we can keep the momentum going," Brown said.

The Aggies men's and women's teams are both ranked No. 1 in the country.

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