SDSU Rodeo Team sees continued success at College National Finals Rodeo

For the past 20 years, the South Dakota State University Rodeo Team has had at least one student athlete finish in the top 12 at the College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR). At the 2019 CNFR, which was held June 9-15 in Casper, Wyoming, SDSU kept its long-standing tradition alive with yet another top 12 finish by Madison Rau in barrel racing.

Alongside Rau were seven other members who qualified for the CNFR, including Reed Arneson and Paden Sexton in saddle bronc riding, Scott Halverson and Nolan Richie in team roping, Hannah Sauve and Allison Pauley in barrel racing and Tori Jacobs in goat tying.

Rau, who was making her third appearance at the CNFR, placed 11th in barrel racing, while Pauley and Sauve finished 21st and 26th, respectively. Halverson placed 13th in team roping and Jacobs placed 21st in goat tying.

With over 20 years of top 12 finishes at the CNFR, SDState has become a reputable and well-known program both regionally and nationally.

Ron Skovly began his coaching career in 2009 and has coached 95 CNFR qualifiers.

“Our talent pool is diverse because of our success,” Skovly said. “Having a solid reputation really helps with recruitment.

“We have a strong recruiting class coming in the fall and I’m very excited for next year,” said Skovly, who expects the team to reach nearly 50 members for the 2019-20 academic year.

SDSU opens the fall rodeo season Sept. 6-7 in River Falls, Wisconsin.