Montana State University’s rodeo teams claimed victories in seven out of nine events and secured both the men’s and women’s team titles at the conclusion of MSU Spring Rodeo #1 on April 10, as announced by head coach Kyle Whitaker.
The strong showing took place in front of a sellout crowd of 4,606 at Brick Breeden Fieldhouse. Whitaker said, “I rodeoed for a long time and you just don’t have an atmosphere like this (anywhere else) because they’re Bobcat fans. If you’re a Bobcat you instantly have 4,000 people cheering for you.”
UM Western’s Coy Montgomery opened the night with a win in bareback riding, but Montana State athletes dominated most subsequent events. Mitch Detton won steer wrestling, Michaela McCormick took goat tying, while Tahj Wells earned first place in both saddle bronc and bull riding. Haven Wolstein won breakaway roping, Ryley Mapston claimed tie down roping, and Anneliese McCurry finished first in barrel racing.
Whitaker praised his team’s performance: “That’s one of the best bull ridings you’ll see anywhere,” he said about Wells’ ride. He also highlighted Wells’ versatility: “Tahj is amazing. He’s stepping up in the bronc riding. He could be as good in bronc riding as he is in the bulls, but he loves bull riding.” The women’s team swept all three women’s events. “Our girls dominated,” Whitaker said.
McCormick credited her experience competing at previous MSU Spring Rodeos for her success: “It’s so fun! You block out any thoughts and just go because it’s so loud in here… I love to rodeo in the Fieldhouse so being back here was a good way to start.” Wolstein reflected on her victory lap: “The Brick is so awesome and MSU rodeo has so much support so it’s a surreal feeling when you take a victory lap around the Brick.”
In terms of scoring, Montana State’s men tallied 950 points compared to UM Western’s 535; the women’s team scored 760 against UMW’s 175. Both squads extended their leads within the Big Sky Region standings.
MSU Spring Rodeo #2 continues with slack rounds Saturday morning followed by another sold-out performance Saturday night at 7 p.m., concluding Sunday afternoon with championship rounds.
