Steer wrestler Clay Elkins holds his Grand Canyon Region Champion Steer Wrestler saddle he won for his efforts this season. Elkins will compete at the national finals in Casper, Wyo., in

The Mesalands Community College Rodeo Team wrapped up the 2008-2009 season with the men’s team ranked third and the women’s ranked fifth after the Grand Canyon Regional Finals in Las Cruces last weekend.

The Mesalands women’s team grabbed the spotlight at the regional finals. The women’s team placed third in the women’s team standings  after their strongest showing ever.

The women’s team was paced by Meagan McCain. McCain placed in both rounds and the average in the barrel racing, and also placed in both rounds and the average of the goat tying.  Fellow team member Daphne Wehrs also placed in both rounds and the average of the goat tying.  
“Our women have come along way this year.  We now have four or five women who are very competitive and they have helped push and improve each other this season,” coach C.J. Aragon said.  

With their strong showing at the Grand Canyon Regional Finals on April 24-25, Mesalands women’s  team finished the season in fifth place with 931.5 points. 

“This is by far the best season the Mesalands women’s team has ever had.  We have built a lot of momentum this year and we hope to carry that over to next year,” Aragon said.

The Mesalands men’s team placed  6th at the Grand Canyon finals. After a strong year the  men’s team finished the season ranked third in the region with 3,455 points.

“Our team improved a lot over last year and our points total reflects that.  Next year we are setting our sights on qualifying the team for the College National Finals Rodeo,” Aragon said.

This year two team members qualified for the College National Finals (CNFR) in Casper, Wyo., June 14-20.

Freshman Clay Elkins won the Grand Canyon Regional title in the steer wrestling. 

Elkins was consistent all year at the rodeos placing at seven of the 10 rodeos.  Elkins won two of the 10 rodeos and also placed second at two of the rodeos. 

“Clay came in and has worked real hard to win the region this year.  He works hard in the arena, in the class room and in the weight room.  He definitely earned his trip to the CNFR,”  Aragon said.

Mesalands also qualified Donnie Frazee in the bull riding.  Frazee finished in third place in bull riding in the Grand Canyon evemt. 
“Donnie started off the year by winning the first college rodeo, and hopefully he can go to the CNFR and finish the season the same way,” Aragon said.

“I am excited about sending Clay and Donnie to the CNFR.  Both of these guys have worked hard and should do well in Casper,” said Aragon.
Coach Aragon was also named the Grand Canyon Region Coach-of-the-Year for the second consecutive year. 

“Our region has some really great coaches and students; it is a great honor to win this award.  A lot of the credit has to go to the students I coach, and the support from Mesalands,” said Aragon. 

Aragon has also been named as the Timed Event Chute Boss at the College National Finals Rodeo.