CC rodeo team places third at nationals

Clarendon College’s Riggin Smith won the Saddle Bronc contest and the CC men’s rodeo team took third place overall at the College National Finals Rodeo last week in Casper, Wyo.

Competing among more than 50 colleges and universities, Clarendon had several outstanding performances during the college’s first team appearance at the national finals.

“I couldn’t be more tickled with how it went,” rodeo coach Bret Franks said. “They stepped up and did great!”

Franks said it was impressive how the CC team performed and put themselves in a position to win in the short round.

“We’re competing with much larger schools,” Franks said. “There are some small schools, but most of these are much bigger. But rodeo kind of is a more even playing field.”

Clarendon finished with a total score of 660. Hill College was second with 675 points, and Panola Junior College was first with 825.

R. Smith won the national title in Saddle Bronc Riding with 370 points. His cousin, Teagan Smith, was third with 180 points. T. Smith also placed 19th in Bull Riding.

Dylan Jones placed fourth in Team Roping, and Casey McCleskey was 33rd.

Brody Rankin was 21st in Tie-Down Roping, and Joshua Green was 24th in Bareback Riding.

Franks said the national finals appearance and results were very important for Clarendon College as it seeks to build a program with a solid reputation.

“I want to give Clarendon College something that will be a feather in our hat,” Franks said.
Of the six men’s team members who went to the national finals, all but Rankin is the only freshman.
Franks said he appreciates the support his team has received.

“I sure want to thank the community, the college, and the administration for giving us what we need to succeed,” Franks said.

CC President Robert Riza praised the rodeo team and its coach.

“I think this team has taken on their coach’s grit and determination,” Riza said. “They see how hard he works to make them better, and they don’t want to let him down.

“I’m proud of the job he has done in a short period of time,” Riza said. “This is what we thought he was capable of achieving when we chose him to lead our program.”