Lancer Rodeo Team with Strong Start at Chadron State Rodeo
Article Written by: Jace Hurlburt

The Eastern Wyoming College rodeo team opened the fall season at the Chadron State College Rodeo, held September 5–7, with a strong showing that sent 11 competitors to the short round on Sunday.

In the saddle bronc riding, freshman Stran Sorenson (Watford City, ND) marked a 67 in the long round to advance, ultimately finishing 10th in the average. Fellow freshman Sawyer Hutchinson (British Columbia) scored 72 in the long round and 69 in the short, finishing 6th overall.

In bull riding, sophomore Eli Leppell made a strong statement, covering his bull for 64 points to claim second place in the second round.

The steer wrestling proved to be a highlight for the Lancers, with three cowboys making the short round. Teagan Gourneau from Presho, SD, stopped the clock at 5.5 in the long round and 17.6 in the short, finishing second in the average. Taydon Gorsuch from Gering, NE, turned in a 5.2-second run to win the long round and finish 3rd in the average after a tricky steer in the short round. T.C. Hughson rounded out the trio with a 10th-place finish.

In the team roping, Cade Thar (Gillette, WY) and Pate Tavegie (New Castle, WY) posted an 8.7 in the long round to finish 9th in the average after a tough short round.

On the women’s side, Griffin Grooms turned in a 17.73 in the barrel racing long round to qualify for the short round, where she tipped a barrel to finish 9th in the average.

In breakaway roping, two Lady Lancers advanced to the short round after identical 2.9-second runs. Jace Hurlburt, the Arcadia, NE cowgirl, finished with a combined 7.1 on two head for 7th place in the average, while Harrison, NE cowgirl Jaycee Lambert also made the short round and ended the weekend 9th in the average.

The Lancers Men’s Team placed 6th for the weekend, while the Lady Lancers placed 8th. The Lancer Rodeo team will have next weekend off and will hit the road again on September 19 as they travel to Riverton.