Cochise Rodeo sends six to CNFR in Casper; Gaasch places fourth overall in Breakaway

CASPER, Wyo. --- The 2024-2025 season came to an end Saturday evening at the College National Finals Rodeo in Casper, Wyoming, but not without a positive showing from the Cochise Rodeo team, where six Apaches made the trip in an attempt to win a national title. Macie Fowlie and Sealey Bottom (Goat Tying) both made a return trip to Casper, along with Taten Erickson (Tie Down Roping). The First-time CNFR participants were Murphy Gaasch (Breakaway Roping), Rilee Christensen (Goat Tying), and Braulio Barraza (Bull Riding).

The 2025 CNFR began on Sunday, June 15th, at the Ford Wyoming Center and concluded on Saturday, June 21st, with the Championship short round. Murphy Gaasch was the lone Cochise participant to qualify for the Championship Round, placing in the Top 12 of the Breakaway Roping event. Gaasch scored a 3.7 on her final round, which was good enough for fourth place overall in the country. 

Below are the scores of each of the Cochise College participants at the CNFR last week. The Apache Rodeo team will begin their 2025 Fall season in August, with each of the six CNFR participants returning to the team next year. 

Murphy Gaasch (Breakaway Roping)

Round 1: 2.4s

Round 2: 3.3s

Round 3: 3.3s

Short Round (Championship): 3.7s

Macie Fowlie (Goat Tying)

Round 1: NS

Round 2: 7.4s

Round 3: 12.0s

Rilee Christensen (Goat Tying)

Round 1: 7.2s

Round 2: 7.6s

Round 3: NS

Sealey Bottom (Goat Tying)

Round 1: 7.0s

Round 2: 6.8s

Round 3: 8.8s

Taten Erickson (Tie Down Roping)

Round 1: 12.3s

Round 2: NS

Round 3: 8.6s

Braulio Barraza (Bull Riding)

Round 1: NS

Round 2: NS

Round 3: NS