Team Ropers Gonzalez & Hatley Finish in Casper, Rodeo Set to Join Newly formed Caprock Region

Hobbs local team ropers Lyvan Gonzalez and Cason Hatley closed the rodeo season Thursday, June 19 in the third go round of the College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR).

Header Lyvan Gonzalez went for it early on the quick steer but a fast twitch to the left caused the T-Birds to miss the steer and take a no time in their final round. 

"We've had a great season in general," NMJC men's rodeo head coach Stewy Kinley said. "Having Lyvan Gonzalez and Cason Hatley qualifying for the CNFR was definitely a highlight. I think it proved they belong at the top and will fuel the fire for a national championship next year!"

Coach Kinley said the team has a lot to be proud of this year.

"Overall, I'd say our students made a lot of progress throughout the year. Also, having Tyler Espenson and Kelton Campbell make nationals in the Steer Roping was great too. Kelton ended up 4th at Nationals so we're really proud of that," Coach Kinley said. "I'm getting reports of what all they've been winning throughout the summer, and it'll be good to have some of them back next year to continue to build on that. We're also looking forward to getting a lot of freshmen in this fall and getting to work with them."

In rodeo region news, the Southwest Region will split to create two new regions per the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association. The aim is to create more opportunities for student-athletes to compete at a high level and provide shorter travel times between competitions. The split will add 35 more student athletes to the CNFR in Casper each year. 

The Lone Star Region will consist of Texas schools, Angelo State University; Cisco College, Ranger College; Sul Ross State University (Alpine); Tarleton State University (Stephenville); Vernon College; and Weatherford College.

The newly formed Caprock Region will include Eastern New Mexico University (Portales); Clarendon (Texas) College; Frank Phillips College (Borger, Texas); Howard College (Big Spring, Texas); New Mexico Junior College (Hobbs); Odessa (Texas) College; South Plains College (Levelland, Texas); Texas Tech University (Lubbock); West Texas A&M University (Canyon); and Western Texas College (Snyder).