NMJC (M-Rodeo) Heads to College National Finals Rodeo June 15
The wait is nearly over for Teagan Taylor-Roukema and Treyden Gonzales who are ready to compete at the 2026 College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR) June 15-20 in Casper, Wyoming.
The events will take place inside the Ford Wyoming Center.
The men's team consists of tie down roper Treyden Gonzales and team roper Teagan Taylor-Roukema.
Treyden Gonzales is the first to compete this week during Monday's slack (Section 1 | Event 3 | 7 a.m. MDT) as the No. 11 tie down roper. He will rope during Tuesday morning's slack (Section 1 | Event 3) again as the No. 34 athlete. Go round 3 will see him tie down rope in the performance Tuesday at 7 p.m. MDT as the No. 8 cowboy in the second event of the night.
"This year at my first CNFR I will be most looking forward to the small arena set up, big crowds, and the pressure that comes along with competing for a College National Title," Treyden Gonzales said. "I am also looking forward to all of the team and media aspects that come with it!"
Gonzales feels prepared after a productive freshman season with the Thunderbirds.
"I don't feel like I need anything extra to do well at the CNFR, the coaches and athletic staff at NMJC have taken good care of me and I am grateful for this whole year," Gonzales said. "I feel prepared and ready for the opportunity."
Gonzales finished second in the Caprock Region standings this season to qualify for nationals.
"Trey gets a good start and sets up his runs so well," NMJC men's rodeo head coach Stewy Kinley said. "He doesn't get ahead of himself. Once he's got his calves caught, it's all hustle until he throws his hands up. He's got a ton of grit and can make those same runs four times in a row."
Team roper Teagan Taylor-Roukema is No. 10 in Section 1 of the Monday's 7 a.m. MDT slack with partner Jacob Walters. The team roping is the 14th and final slack event Monday morning. The duo is No. 48 on Tuesday morning's 7 a.m. MDT slack second go round as the 14th event again. They will have some time off before picking back up in the third go round on Thursday night at 7 p.m. MDT. The pair are the 41st team (Section 3) in the performance round of the team roping and are the seventh event of the night.
Taylor-Roukema is coming off a historic season that saw him win the Caprock Region team roping title.
"Teagan ropes two feet every time. He takes smart shots and doesn't get in a hurry," Coach Kinley said. "He knows he can win and that makes him dangerous."
"I'm looking forward to having the chance of winning a national title in Casper," Taylor-Roukema said. "I just need to heel steers by two feet."
All performances of the CNFR starting Tuesday through Saturday, June 16-20th, 2026, will air on ESPN+.
ESPN+ is available by using the ESPN app, and also available on your computer.
12 teams/individuals make it to the CNFR Short Round with the national champion being the top team roping pair or tie down roper with the best four-round average. The final takes place Saturday, June 20 at 7 p.m. MDT inside the Ford Wyoming Center.
"These guys are at the level that they know how to manage their emotions and nerves and use them to their advantage," Coach Kinley said. "Pressure is a privilege. They know what their run is and they'll stick to it. They'll be focused on doing their job and stay aggressive. It's the same thing we've worked on all year. We're looking forward to watching them one run at a time!"
To see the women's CNFR preview click here.
The draw is here and the schedule is here. Results will be posted after each go round here.
Stay up to date on the T-Birds journey in Casper at the CNFR by following the NMJC rodeo socials on Facebook (New Mexico Jr. College Rodeo) and Instagram @nmjc_rodeo.
