USU cowboys compete at home
If you ever wonder where hard work and dedication will get you, ask USU’s team roper Trevor Merrill. The cowboy proved it will take you far Friday and Saturday at the college rodeo, put on by USU’s rodeo team at the Cache County fairgrounds.
Merrill took home a first in the round and second in the average for USU, with a time of 8.7 seconds in the long go Friday and 8.4 in the short go Saturday.
Nichole Johnson, competing in barrel racing, took fourth in the second go around and third in the average with her fastest time being 18.3.
“Nichole did well and we were proud of her,” said Utah State’s Kate Clissold, who competes in all the female rodeo events. “Hopefully the rest of us will do better next week.”
Clissold competed in goat tying, breakaway, and barrel racing but received a no time or penalty in each event.
“College rodeo has the whole team aspect,” said USU steer wrestler Chase Black. “The rodeo team looks out for each other. We help each other practice, cheer each other on, and win and lose together. Trevor, Devan (Pope) and Nichole all did well and earned points. We were happy to see that.”
Pope, competing in steer wrestling, received a time of 11 seconds Friday night. However, luck struck out Saturday as Pope came up short with a no time.
Black received times of 24 and 17.8 seconds in the steer wrestling event.
“We had kind of a rough weekend at home,” said Black. “We hope to pull things together next week in Pocatello. We have a lot of potential and we are hoping to get going strong.”
USU’s rodeo team will compete next at Idaho State University on Oct. 5-6.
– leannfox@aggiemail.usu.edu