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Six Bearkats Qualify For Rodeo Finals

Morgan Grant (third from left) was awarded a $1,400 scholarship at the College National Finals Rodeo in Casper, Wyo. Monday night. He is the first Bearkat ever to receive the national award. Also attending the awards ceremony were (from left) Roger Walters, NIRA Commissioner; Bubba Miller, SHSU rodeo coach; Sonny Sikes, former SHSU rodeo coach; and Grant's parents.

Six students at Sam Houston State University have qualified for the College National Finals (CNFR) in Casper, Wyo. this week.

Qualifiers are Shane Britton, Shawn Dollery, Morgan Grant, Kaki Herring, Jacob Shofne, and Courtney Stephens. At stake are National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association titles and nearly $250,000 in scholarships.

At the completion of the first round of events, Courtney Stephens placed 4th in breakaway roping. Morgan Grant was awarded the national academic scholarship for $1,400 at an awards banquet Monday night. Sonny Sikes, former SHSU rodeo coach, said that this is the first time a Bearkat has won this national honor.

This is the 61st Annual CNFR and the 11th anniversary of the event’s home in Casper. The CNFR features nine rodeo events, bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, bull riding, tie-down roping and steer wrestling for the men, barrel racing, goat tying and breakaway roping for the women. In addition, team roping is held which can feature male and female competitors. Along with individual titles, many of the competitors are hoping to be part of the men’s or women’s team that takes the team championship back to their college or university.

Each contestant has three preliminary rounds of competition prior to the final round on Saturday night, June 20th. Scores and times from those three rounds will be added up, and the 12 contestants with the fastest total times or highest total scores will advance to the finals.

At the conclusion of the final round national event champions along with men’s and women’s all-around and team champions will be crowned. Several special awards will also be presented throughout the competition. Complete results will be available at www.cnfr.com

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SHSU Media Contacts: Julia May, Jacel Angel
June 16, 2009
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