The University of Wyoming men’s and women’s rodeo teams are favorites to secure team and individual regional championships during the Laramie River Rendezvous Rodeo, which will take place April 24-26 at the Cliff and Martha Hansen Livestock Teaching Arena.
This event is significant as it marks the season finale, where both team and individual honors are on the line. The top two men’s and women’s teams from this competition will advance to the College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR) in Casper from June 14-20. Additionally, top three individuals in each event will earn automatic bids to compete at CNFR.
The Cowboys enter the final rodeo with a strong lead over Sheridan College, aiming for their eighth consecutive Central Rocky Mountain Region (CRMR) team title. They have accumulated 5,565 points through nine rodeos compared to Sheridan’s 3,970. The Cowgirls are also close to securing their first CRMR championship in four years after finishing second for three straight seasons behind Gillette College.
Despite these leads, head coach Seth Glause said he remains cautious about predicting outcomes before the end of competition. “In my opinion, nothing is set until the dust settles on Sunday,” Glause said. “We have great athletes on both teams, and I am proud of all of the hard work that they put in week in and week out.” He added: “They all have a great mindset and the desire to be great in the arena and classroom. It definitely builds a great culture of excellence. We are excited to watch our Pokes compete at a high level and leave it all in the arena this weekend.”
This year marks Glause’s first opportunity as coach for both UW programs to win overall titles simultaneously during his eight-year coaching career.
Several UW athletes lead their respective events going into this weekend’s competition: Traven Sharon is ahead in saddle bronc riding while Josie Mousel leads goat tying; both are also current all-around leaders. Other Cowboys dominate scoring positions across multiple events including tie-down roping, steer wrestling, bareback riding, bull riding, and team roping categories.
With many student-athletes still vying for national qualification spots based on season-long performances—both individually and as part of teams—the outcome of this weekend’s home rodeo could shape UW’s representation at CNFR next month.
