BHSU Rodeo: Jackets Ready for CNFR Beginning Sunday

SPEARFISH, S.D. - The Black Hills State University rodeo team is set to compete in the nation's leading college rodeo event June 11-17. The Yellow Jackets will be at the College National Finals Rodeo in Casper, Wyoming, with the women's team ranked No. 2 in the nation heading into the event after capturing the Great Plains Region Championship in convincing fashion.

The men's team placed second in the region to garner the team qualification to the CNFR.

Having last competed as a team on May 6 at the BlueHawk Stampede, the Yellow Jackets have stayed busy practicing and competition over the past five weeks.

"During the downtime, it is still about practicing, competing and staying in shape," head coach Glen Lammers said. "They compete wherever it is convenient for them with having summer jobs and working on ranches during the downtime.

"I've communicated with them on specifics of what to work on. It's about staying sharp, keeping the horses in shape."
The teams also have a chance to get around in the Casper Events Center on Friday prior to the official start of the CNFR with jackpot competitions.

The women's team consists of four members: Madison Huber, Samantha Jorgenson, Carlee Johnston and Katie Lensegrav. The men's team is taking Colton Backhaus, Jake Herman, Trey Huber, Carson Johnston and Lane Rossow.

Jorgenson is the leader of the team having won the region's all-around championship along with region titles in the breakaway roping and team roping. In the breakaway roping, Jorgenson is No. 1 in the nation heading into the CNFR. Carlee Johnston is also a region champion, winning the goat tying championship to help the Yellow Jackets to its No. 2 position in the nation.

Lammers discussed the balance needed from the women's team as they chase a national title.

"It is a balance between it being just another rodeo but also a really good opportunity to run at a national championship. We want to be calm and collected while competing to the best of our ability."

The men's team is just outside of the top-25 heading into the CNFR but had strong seasons from several individuals including Rossow as he placed second in the tie-down roping while fighting for the top spot in the all-around through the last rodeo. Herman and Backhaus each placed second in team roping in the region.

"Everyone earned their right to be there (CNFR)," Lammers said. "We need to do what is within our capabilities and believe in ourselves.

"There are a lot of variables in this sport, we just want to have consistent performances at a high level with everyone contributing."
Lammers went on to talk about the scoring for both teams.

"For our teams to be successful, we need to get points. You get points through individuals. So if individuals do well, then the team does well."

Black Hills State is taking nine individuals to the CNFR all nine individuals are experienced.

"Everyone has already been to the CNFR, we have five seniors going. We have the talent, the horsepower and the experience."
The final four nights of the rodeo, beginning Wednesday June 14, are set to be broadcast on ESPN3 and the WatchESPN App.