BOZEMAN — Twelve Montana State rodeo student-athletes will be traveling to Casper, Wyoming, this weekend for the 2024 College National Finals Rodeo. They will be competing for individual national championships as well as men’s and women’s team titles.
Senior Tayla Moeykens, the 2021 barrel racing national champion, leads the group that dominated the Big Sky Region in 2023-24. Montana State’s men outpaced their nearest rival, Montana Western, with 8,252.5 points compared to 5,510.5 points. The Bobcat women scored 3,640.16 points, ahead of second-place MSU Northern’s 2,988.5 points. Several MSU freshmen and sophomores also excelled in the regional competitions, with Cole Gerhardt, Wyatt Jensen, and Jaden Whitman winning titles in their respective events. Moeykens also secured the region’s barrel racing crown.
“We have several athletes who have the potential to be competitive at the national level,” said Montana State head coach Kyle Whitaker. “I have confidence in all of their abilities. At the CNFR, none of the points from the regular season count, so anything can happen in that format.”
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Two seniors on the women’s team are considered strong contenders for national titles, according to Whitaker.
“Tayla has had a remarkable career, and I hope she can add another national championship to it,” Whitaker said. “Meghan has the potential to be a national champion breakaway roper; she just needs to perform at the event.”
McGinley ranks fourth nationally in barrel racing, while other team members are also ranked in their respective events. The men’s team has a strong presence in roping events, with the potential to perform well on the national stage.
The CNFR will include three go-rounds from Sunday to June 14, with the championship round on June 15 at 7 p.m. The event will be broadcasted on ESPN3.
Whitaker emphasized the team’s preparation throughout the year for the CNFR format, ensuring that they are ready to compete at the highest level.
The arena in Casper is similar in size to Montana State’s Brick Breeden Fieldhouse, providing the team with a familiar environment to showcase their skills.
For more information on the CNFR schedule and streaming details, visit the official website.
