The Iowa State Rodeo Club presented its annual Cyclone Stampede this weekend where teams from six states in the Great Plains region gave it their all for the chance to compete in the College National Finals Rodeo in Bozeman, Mont., in June.

The events included were bareback bronc riding, breakaway roping, calf roping, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, goat tying, team roping, barrel racing, and bull riding. The preliminaries were held Friday night and Saturday afternoon.

The top ten scores in each event went on to the finals on Saturday night. Although the ISU team didn’t qualify for the finals, bull rider and team captain Chuck Obrecht said that the team did a great job.

“We looked real good. We just never made the finals,” Obrecht said.

Obrecht selected one of the toughest bulls and held on for about three out of the eight seconds needed. When the competition had concluded, Obrecht did not score for the finals.

Obrecht said that although he didn’t make the finals, he can’t get enough of bull riding.

“I love riding bulls. Once you try it and do it, you’ll never quit. It’s very addicting. I’ll probably try and go pro after I’m done with this,” Obrecht said.

Barrel racer Holly Wahlert missed some points when she made a cautious run to avoid injury with her horse. The slower time cost her a place in the finals.

Mud hurt calf roper Mark Edwards faltered when his horse slid around in the slippery mud and he missed his calf.

The team roping combination of Mike Lancaster and Jennifer Holtgrew just missed going on to the finals when Lancaster threw the rope a little too short and missed the steer.

A ten second start penalty hurt breakaway roper Cari Fleming when she came out of the the barrier box too fast although she had a good hold on the calf.

This weekend’s competition was unique in the fact that it is the only college rodeo in Iowa. ISU Rodeo Club President Jodie Pettit said that the college rodeo is a stepping stone for a lot of riders who want to continue with the rodeo after college and said the experience you get out of it is like no other.

“There is such a variety of events and the people are just wonderful. Everyone helps each other out by encouraging others and by loaning out gear. The attitude is just great,” Pettit said.