Two Mesalands cowboys cinch spot at College National Finals Rodeo

Two Mesalands Rodeo Team members cinch nationals spots

Special to QCS

Jeff O’Donnell and Jon Luse, Mesalands Community College Rodeo Team members, secured qualifications to the College National Finals Rodeo after competing last weekend at the Navajo Tech College Rodeo.

“We are proud of Jeff and Jon and now have hopes that two other Mesalands students, Michael Bates and Dominic Coche, will finish strong at the regional finals May 2-3 at New Mexico State University to earn their qualifications as well,” said rodeo coach C.J. Aragon.

At the Navajo Tech College rodeo Luse won the first round of the bareback riding and placed second in the average to earn his position to the CNFR.  O’Donnell placed in both rounds in the steer wrestling and won second in the average to punch his ticket to the CNFR.

Mesalands had nine team members make the short round this weekend. They are:
• Luse in the bareback riding, second place
• O’Donnell in the steer wrestling, second place
• Andrea Ortiz in the team roping, sixth place,
• Jon Ramone in the team roping,  sixth place
•  Tim Jones in the bull riding, fourth place
•  Andy Stainsby and Cody O’Donnell in the team roping
• Aubri Allen in the barrel racing
• Matt Bridges and
• Brandon Jones in the saddle bronc riding.

Mesalands Community College men’s team placed fourth and the women’s team placed fifth at the event.