Cochise Rodeo Rides Strong Through Mud and Rain at Home County Fair

DOUGLAS, AZ – The Cochise College Rodeo Team showcased determination and skill during the second of three NIRA Grand Canyon Region fall rodeos, held September 26–27 at the Cochise County Fairgrounds. Despite wet, rainy, and muddy conditions on Friday, the Apaches delivered big performances for the home crowd, highlighted by bull riding victories, tie down roping sweeps, and top team finishes.

Head coach Lynn Smith praised the team's resilience:

"Friday was wet and soggy, but there still was a crowd for the rodeo. Saturday night's weather was great and the grandstands were packed! The college rodeo contestants faced a lot of adversity with the wet, muddy ground conditions both days, but were safe themselves & their horses and the rodeo stock."

Friday, September 26 – Opening Rounds

The Apaches came out strong under challenging conditions:

Barrel Racing

• Kylynn Bryson placed 6th in the long go.

Breakaway Roping

• Murphy Gaasch split 5th & 6th in the long go.

Goat Tying

• Macie Fowlie captured the long go win.

• Alexia Guzman finished 6th in the long go.

Saddle Bronc Riding

• Tristan Goodwin earned 2nd place in the 1st round.

Bull Riding

• Braulio Barraza claimed the 1st round win.

Tie Down Roping

• Garrett Berreth & Taten Erickson split the long round win.

• Kass Kimble placed 6th, Rylee McRoberts 8th, and Cason Scouten 9th.

Saturday, September 27 – Finals & Averages

Improved weather set the stage for big finishes:

Bull Riding

• Braulio Barraza dominated, winning both the 1st go and the average.

Tie Down Roping

• Taten Erickson swept the event, winning the average, long go, and short go.

• Garrett Berreth earned 2nd in the average after combining his long go win with a 3rd-place short go.

• Cason Scouten and Kass Kimble also placed solidly in the average.

Steer Wrestling

• Taten Erickson added to his weekend success with a 2nd round win.

Saddle Bronc Riding

• Tristan Goodwin took 2nd in the average on two head, finishing 3rd in the second round after his earlier 2nd-place first round.

• Teran Broderson added a 2nd-place ride in round two.

Barrel Racing

• Kylynn Bryson finished 6th in the average after a consistent short round.

Breakaway Roping

• Murphy Gaasch, after splitting 5th in the long go, recorded a no-time in the short round.

Goat Tying

• Macie Fowlie, despite winning the long go, had a no-time in the short after her goat did not stay tied for the required time.

• Alexia Guzman placed 8th overall on her two runs.

Team Results

• Men's Team – 2nd overall at the rodeo

• Women's Team – 4th overall

Next Stop

The Apaches will wrap up the fall Grand Canyon Region season at Mesalands Community College in Tucumcari, New Mexico, on October 10–11.

Fans can follow updates and full results on the Cochise College Rodeo Program Facebook page.

Scores and placings provided courtesy of the Cochise College Rodeo Program Facebook page.