SUU Rodeo Team Sweeps Away Competition
Published: June 08, 2026 |
Author: Ali Maynard |
Read Time: 2 minutes
With the 2026 College National Finals Rodeo fast approaching, Southern Utah University's (SUU) rodeo team is soaring beyond expectations. SUU currently sits in sixth place in the country and number one in the Rocky Mountain region for the men's team competition, as well as eighth in the region for the women's team competition.
Founded in 1949, the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA) currently represents more than 3,500 student athletes and 137 member schools and universities. Every June, NIRA hosts the College National Finals Rodeo in Casper, Wyoming. There are no set divisions in the association, which allows teams to compete for the same points and rankings. While many of the other competing colleges are well-known for their great rodeo programs, SUU is pulling ahead with exceptional talent from its T-birds.
"The Thunderbirds compete in NIRA's Rocky Mountain Region alongside Utah Valley University, Snow College, Utah State, Utah State Eastern, and Weber State -- and they are dominating that conversation," said Mountain and Main Magazine.
Two stand-outs in the team are SUU seniors Blake Bowler and Truman Bowler. Their dedication to the sport is clear with their incredible performances throughout the season. Blake currently ranks first nationally in team roping header, first in men's all around, and sixth in tie down roping. As of right now, Truman is ranked first in team roping heeler, and sixth in the all-around.
Another remarkable performance comes from SUU junior Rilee Christensen, who currently ranks fifth place for the women's all-around and third in goat tying regionally. Brian Evans, who is a senior at SUU, is ranked second nationally in saddle bronc riding, has also contributed greatly to SUU's current standing.
"Wyoming's rodeo program is one of the most storied in the country. NMSU has been a college rodeo powerhouse for decades," Mountain and Main Magazine said. "SUU is beating them."
With powerful support from their peers and mentors, SUU's athletic teams continue to go above and beyond. The SUU Rodeo team will compete in the college National Finals Rodeo from June 14 to June 20 at the Ford Wyoming Center in Casper, Wyoming.
Tags:
Student
Athletics
Contact Information
Brooke Heath
435-586-5400
brookeheath1@suu.edu
