The College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR) returns to Casper, Wyoming, June 15–21, where top collegiate athletes from across the country will battle it out in the dirt for national title. Western Sports Roundup recently caught up with Jess Tierney, head rodeo coach at Western Oklahoma State College to talk about the event.
Having competed in rodeo himself and now coaching the next generation of athletes, Tierney has had a front row seat to witness the success of his collegiate athletes, including the most recent College National Finals Steer Roping Champion, Jate Saults who is a student at Western Oklahoma State.
“It’s the greatest feeling ever. You know when you can see the drive in them and they really go to asking questions and go to trying some things that you put in front of them, just nothing more rewarding than to see them have a great day like he did,” Tierney explained.
Western Oklahoma State College in specific has a strong track record of producing elite talent. Several world champions began their rodeo careers at the college level, including Martha Angelone, Cole Patterson, Jacob Edler, and Haven Meged, all of whom spent time at Western Oklahoma State.
This year, Tierney is bringing three team ropers to Casper and is eager to see what his group can accomplish on the national stage.