The lights shined bright in Casper during the College National Finals Rodeo from June 9-15, with two Northwest College Trapper cowboys posting scores, and one advancing to the short go during the biggest event of the year.

“The finals went pretty well,” coach Del Nose said.

Advancing all the way to the short go for the Trappers was bull rider Zane Young, after he put up a score of 62 during the second go around, with riders having continual difficulty hanging on in bull riding throughout the competition.

Unfortunately in the short go Young was unable to post a score, but Nose said that advancing that far in the competition was an accomplishment in itself.

“It’s everybody’s goal to get somebody from your team to the short go,” Nose said. “That means you’re top 12 in the nation.”

The other Trapper to post a mark at the CNFR came in the team roping, as Jayson Carl and his partner Mikenna Schauer out of Montana State University-Northern posted a time of 7.7 in the second go around, but fell just out of the rankings to make the short go.

Nose said that Carl missed his toss on the first go around, and Schauer missed hers in the third go around. He said the duo would have made the short go had they both made their tosses in one of the other two go arounds.

The final Trapper competing at the rodeo was Chris Staley, who was unable to post a score as he was bucked off his bull all three times.

“All in all it was a great rodeo,” Nose said. “It broke all sorts of attendance records … There were people coming to support these guys and gals like you can’t believe.”

In addition to breaking attendance records, Nose said that he was impressed by the demeanor of all the student athletes in attendance, as he believes every year the rodeo scene continues to improve.

“We have a whole student body throughout the United States. Everybody is on the same page,” Nose said. “Their work ethic is amazing, it was a standout bunch of kids. Nowadays you really appreciate it (manners). I was really impressed, it just seems like it’s getting better.”

Heading into the summer, Nose has been hot on the recruiting trail for next year’s edition of the Trappers, with Nose noting that he believes that next year’s class can continue improving the program.

“I’m looking forward to next year’s recruits,” Nose said. “A lot of good kids.”

He said that the kids coming in have a lot of experience in rodeo, and he knows that they are continuing to participate in rodeos throughout the summer, so that he doesn’t have to do as much with the team once they come to Powell in August.

“Most of our recruits are rodeoing all summer,” Nose said. “Then I don’t have to sharpen the knife so much, that will help a bunch. Just trying to get these kids prepared for what’s coming.”

Northwest will open its season with a home rodeo in early September.