Third Performance at College National Finals Rodeo moves two athletes into overall lead

CASPER, Wyo. (Susan Kanode, CNFR) – Two athletes moved into the overall lead in their events during Thursday night’s performance of the College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR) at the Ford Wyoming Center in Casper.

Aimee Davis, a junior majoring in child development, took the lead in goat tying. Davis, who competes for Cal Poly- San Luis Obispo, tied her goat in six seconds to have the fastest time in the third round. Her times in round one and round two were 6.2 and 6.5 respectively. The West Coast Region Goat Tying Champion has a lead of two-tenths of a second at 18.7 over McNeese State’s Kamryn Duncan.

Walt Arnold, a senior from Coleman, Texas, moved to first overall in steer wrestling. Arnold, a criminal justice major at Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas, stopped the clock in 4.8 seconds. Adding that to his times of 4.2 seconds in the first and second rounds gave him a total of 13.2 seconds on three steers. This is his third CNFR qualification and he will be qualifying for Saturday night’s championship finals for the third time. He is hoping that this year he leaves with the buckle that says he is college rodeo’s best.  

Arnold is currently ranked 23^rd in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association steer wrestling standings. He has a chance to win a college title and qualify for the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) in the same season if he can move into the top 15 in the pro ranks by September 30.

Montana State University’s Hailey Garrison moved to second overall in barrel racing. Her time of 14.19 was the second-fastest of the week and put her in second place in round three. The Dillon, Montana, cowgirl has a great shot at the women’s all-around title at her fourth CNFR. She will return for Championship Saturday in barrel racing and goat tying where she is tied for fifth overall with a total time of 19.9 seconds on three runs.

The fourth performance of the CNFR will begin at 7 p.m. on Friday. Those competing will have one final chance to move into the top 12 and qualify for Championship Saturday when the national champions in nine events, the men’s and women’s all-around and the men’s and women’s team champions will be determined.

Complete results are available at www.collegerodeo.com. Watch live on ESPN 3 or the ESPN App

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