Reprinted from the West Texas A&M University website
by Joe Wyatt
(Canyon)—Two West Texas A&M University cowboys enjoyed top 10 finishes at the College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR) June 10-16 in Casper, Wyo., but the Buffs were unable to replicate the national team title they captured there in 2006.
As a team, West Texas A&M scored 205 points and finished in 21st place overall.
Marty Eakin, a senior general studies major from Umbarger, placed highest among the WTAMU entrants with a fourth-place effort in saddle bronc riding. Eakin won an individual national championship in the event at the 2004 CNFR.
Chad Mask, a junior biology major from Amarillo, turned in a seventh-place effort in bareback riding and scored in every round. However, the rest of the defending national champions had tough luck.
Casey Sisk, a sophomore agricultural business and economics major from Corona, N.M., had a couple of no-scores and finished 13th in bull riding, while Zach Cobb, a senior animal science major from Pampa and the defending national champion in steer wrestling, placed 17th at this year’s event.
The next-best placing for WTAMU came from Wes Burns, a senior agricultural business and economics major from Sudan, N.M., who was 20th in saddle bronc riding.
The men’s team title went to Ranger College, which like WTAMU is a member of the Southwest Region of the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association. 