She may not be the nation’s top breakaway roper, but University of Wyoming Cowgirl Kaycee Nelson knows who she will have to challenge for a College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR) title.
After Wednesday night’s performance at the Casper Events Center, Nelson and co-national leader Chelsea Carroll from McNeese State University dropped one position, trailing Idaho State University freshman Kimberlyn Fehringer by 1.5 seconds. Nelson currently has the fourth fastest third-round time.
No UW team member competed last night in a rare night off for Coach George Howard’s crew.
Fehringer, for the third straight round, lowered her time -- going 2.5 and 2.4 earlier in the week -- and 2.3 Wednesday for a three-run time of 7.2 seconds. Nelson and Carroll currently split second place with two nights of roping left. They have a three-round accumulated time of 8.6 seconds.
The contestants with the top 12 times and marks advance to Saturday’s short go.
UW team ropers Tyler Schnaufer/Clayton Van Aken and Chandler Markel in barrel racing will compete Thursday in their third-round events. The ropers are on the bubble for a finals berth.
Schnaufer has a chance to gain a finals berth in tie down roping. He has a two-head time of 20.6 with his final turn coming Friday. The roper, currently sitting in the 12-hole, has a three-round time of 42.4 seconds.
Bull rider Hunter Hoover also has a chance to reach the championship round when he makes his third ride Friday. He has marked on one head. Through Wednesday, just four riders had covered two bulls.
Both UW teams dropped in the overall standings as the third round progresses during the next two days. The Cowgirls are now 15th with 90 points, while Idaho State University has moved into the top position with 410 points. The Cowboys are now 28th with 80 points. Tarleton State University remains the leader with 415.
