UPDATE: Cochise Rodeo Completes Preliminary Competition at CNFR
CASPER, WYO. — Cochise College Rodeo athletes completed their preliminary competition Thursday at the 2026 College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR) in Casper, Wyoming, with final standings still being calculated to determine which competitors will advance to Saturday's championship round.
The top 12 competitors in each event qualify for the CNFR Finals, scheduled for Saturday, June 20, at the Ford Wyoming Center. Several Cochise athletes now await official aggregate standings following the completion of the final preliminary performances.
Bottom Completes Competition in Two Events
Competing in both Goat Tying and Barrel Racing, Sealey Bottom concluded her preliminary rounds Thursday.
In Goat Tying, Bottom opened the week with a 6.8-second run, followed by a 12.9-second run in Round 2 and a 7.4-second run in Round 3. Final aggregate standings are still pending.
In Barrel Racing, Bottom recorded times of 19.91 seconds, 14.69 seconds, and 14.41 seconds over her three runs. She now awaits official standings to determine her final placement in the event.
Erickson Finishes Strong at National Finals
After qualifying as the Grand Canyon Region Reserve Champion Steer Wrestler and All-Around Cowboy, Taten Erickson completed competition in both Steer Wrestling and Tie Down Roping.
In Steer Wrestling, Erickson posted a 5.0-second run in Round 2, good for 11th place in the round, but recorded no-scores in Rounds 1 and 3.
In Tie Down Roping, Erickson recorded times of 10.5 seconds and 10.9 seconds in his two qualified runs. His opening-round time earned a 9th-place finish in the round standings.
Fowlie and Barraza Conclude National Finals Appearances
Macie Fowlie completed all three rounds of Breakaway Roping competition. Despite qualifying for the national finals in both Goat Tying and Breakaway Roping, Fowlie was unable to record a qualified time in Breakaway Roping during the preliminary rounds.
Meanwhile, Braulio Barraza, the Grand Canyon Region Champion Bull Rider, completed his three preliminary rides. Although Barraza was unable to record a qualified ride during the week, his appearance at the CNFR capped an outstanding season that included a regional championship and multiple event victories throughout the spring.
Awaiting Championship Round Qualifiers
With all Cochise competitors having completed their preliminary competition, attention now turns to the release of the official aggregate standings. Macie Fowlie remains the program's top contender for advancement after completing all three rounds of Goat Tying earlier in the week.
The CNFR Championship Finals are scheduled for Saturday, June 20, where the top 12 competitors in each event will compete for collegiate national championships. Final qualifying positions are expected to be announced following the completion of all preliminary performances.