The Southern Utah University men's rodeo team secured its first Rocky Mountain Regional Championship since the program's inception, capping a historic season with a ninth-place national ranking. The T-birds achieved the regional title by defeating eight other schools, including Utah State and Utah Valley University, before competing in the College National Finals Rodeo in Casper, Wyoming.
Regional victory details
The victory marks a major milestone for the SUU program, which topped a highly competitive field of nine schools to claim the regional crown. To secure the title, the T-birds outperformed Utah State University, Utah Valley University, Weber State University, Snow College, USU-Eastern, the College of Southern Idaho, Idaho State University, and Colorado Mesa University.
National finals performance
Following their regional success, the team traveled to Casper for the College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR). During the competition, which features approximately 400 students from over 100 teams annually, the men's squad maintained a high national standing, finishing the season ranked ninth in the country. This performance followed an earlier period of momentum where the team sat as the number one program in the Rocky Mountain region and sixth in the nation.
Bowler brothers' standout achievement
Brothers Blake and TJ Bowler provided a standout performance on the national stage. The Bowler brothers provided a standout performance on the national stage during the competition's final round. Entering the Saturday night broadcasted final round, known as the "Short-Go," the duo sat in fifth place. They delivered under pressure to clock the second-fastest time of the night in Team Roping at 5.6 seconds, which secured a third-place podium finish overall in the nation.
Individual regional honors earned
Blake Bowler, a senior studying Agribusiness from Enterprise, Utah, earned several distinctions including Regional All-Around Cowboy Champion, first place in Region Team Roping, and third place in Region Calf Tie Down Raining. His brother, TJ Bowler, a senior studying Finance from Enterprise, Utah, was named the Regional All-Around Cowboy Reserve Champion (second place) and finished first in the region as a heeler in Team Roping.
Other qualifying student athletes
The university's success was bolstered by five student-athletes who qualified for the national stage this season. In addition to the Bowler brothers, Brian Evans, a senior biology major from Beaver, Utah, earned the title of Regional Reserve Champion (second place) in Saddle Bronc Riding. Rilee Christensen, a new senior studying Exercise Science from Logandale, Nevada, placed third in regional Goat Tying, while McCrae Fillmore, a senior studying Agriculture - Range Management from Fremont, Utah, took third place in regional Team Roping.
During the 10-day national competition series in Casper, each athlete competed three times across preliminary rounds. While Evans, Fillmore, and Christensen performed well against the nation's elite, they finished just outside the top 12 required to compete in the final Saturday round.
The team's climb through the rankings was notable heading into the finals. As of early June, the program was already noted for its dominance in the region, with some reports highlighting that SUU was outperforming established powerhouses. The National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA), which governs college rodeo, divides the country into 12 regions similar to NCAA conferences.
Before the finals concluded, coach and advisor Shane Flanigan expressed confidence in the Bowler brothers' performance, noting that while they had qualified for the CNFR multiple times previously, their approach this year was uniquely focused. "They’re grounded, relaxed, and just doing what they do best. I have full confidence they will do well," Flanigan said ahead of the finals.
Reflecting on the experience in Wyoming, TJ Bowler noted the intensity of competing on a large stage. "The excitement of the performances with all the and fans can be intimidating and exciting, but you have to trust the things that have got us here," Bowler said, adding that he felt lucky to work with a great horse and partner.
New SUU Coach/Advisor Michael Blake expressed pride in the team's ability to finish ninth in the country. "Seeing five students qualify for the CNFR and finishing ninth in the country is a remarkable accomplishment," Blake said. "I'm incredibly proud of what they've achieved this season, and look forward to carrying this excitement and competition into the future of Southern Utah University Rodeo."
