Cochise Rodeo Athletes Continue Competition at College National Finals Rodeo
CASPER, WYO. — Through the first three days of competition at the 2026 College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR), Cochise College's national qualifiers have continued their pursuit of national championship opportunities at the Ford Wyoming Center in Casper, Wyoming.
The Apaches entered the week with five student-athletes competing in seven events after qualifying through the NIRA Grand Canyon Region. With preliminary rounds still underway, several Cochise competitors remain in contention heading into the latter stages of the week.
Fowlie Awaits Goat Tying Qualification Results
Macie Fowlie completed all three rounds of Goat Tying and is awaiting the final standings to determine whether she advances to Saturday's championship round. The top 12 competitors in the aggregate qualify for the CNFR finals.
Fowlie recorded times of 7.0 seconds, 6.4 seconds, and 6.7 seconds during her three runs. Her 6.4-second performance in Round 2 was good enough for a split 9th-place finish in the round standings.
Fowlie has also competed in two rounds of Breakaway Roping and will complete her final round later this week.
Bottom Continues Multi-Event Competition
Sealey Bottom remains in action in both Goat Tying and Barrel Racing.
In Goat Tying, Bottom opened with a 6.8-second run before posting a 12.9-second time in Round 2. She will complete her third round later this week.
In Barrel Racing, Bottom posted times of 19.91 seconds and 14.69 seconds through her first two rounds and remains scheduled to compete in Round 3.
Erickson Records Top-12 Finishes
Competing in both Steer Wrestling and Tie Down Roping, Taten Erickson has already produced a pair of notable performances.
In Steer Wrestling, Erickson placed 11th in Round 2 with a time of 5.0 seconds after recording a no-score in Round 1. He will complete his final round later this week.
In Tie Down Roping, Erickson turned in a 10.5-second run in Round 1, earning 9th place in the round standings. He later recorded a no-score in Round 2 and remains scheduled for one final run.
Broderson Completes Saddle Bronc Competition
Teran Broderson, who qualified as the Grand Canyon Region Reserve Champion Saddle Bronc Rider, completed his competition at the CNFR. While Broderson was unable to record a qualified ride during his three rounds, reaching the national finals capped off an outstanding season that saw him emerge as one of the top saddle bronc riders in the region.
Barraza Set for Final Rounds
Grand Canyon Region Champion Bull Rider Braulio Barraza has competed in two rounds of bull riding and remains scheduled to complete his final preliminary ride later this week.
Looking Ahead
As competition continues through the week, Cochise athletes will look to improve their standings and secure spots in Saturday's championship finals. Fowlie's position in Goat Tying remains the program's most immediate opportunity for advancement, while Bottoms, Erickson, and Barraza continue their pursuit of strong finishes in their remaining rounds.
The CNFR Championship Finals are scheduled for Saturday, June 20, with the top 12 competitors in each event advancing to compete for national titles.