The Chadron State College women’s rodeo team placed fourth with 180 points at the Gillette College Rodeo, Gillette, Wyo., last Friday through Sunday. The men’s team did not place.
Kaylee Gallino, junior of Wasta, S.D., won the first round, the finals, and the average in barrel racing, bringing 180 points to her team, and becoming number one in the region. Gallino was very elated about her victory, according to Dustin Luper, head rodeo coach. “She is in the driver’s seat,” he said.
On the men’s team, Collin Chytka, freshman of Broken Bow, placed sixth in bareback riding. Russell Hipke, freshman of Stewart, placed fifth in the first round of steer wrestling, came third in the finals, and ended fourth at average.
Team ropers Miles Spickelmier, junior of Imperial, header, and Hardan Kraupie, junior of Bridgeport, heeler, placed sixth in the first round, but did not place in the finals.
According to Luper, the men’s team did not score for several reasons. Luper said the team did not get enough practice due to how the weather affected dirt in the arena. This prevented horses from practicing efficiently.
“Lack of depth on the rough-stock is why we didn’t succeed in it and timed-events,” Luper said. “They had pre-game jitters.”
He said the team was also very disappointed with the results.
However, Luper is enthusiastic about the upcoming rodeo.
“We are wiping off the rust,” he said. “This rodeo will go much better.”
This week, the team will spend more time at the arena and have effective practice. Luper said he plans to spur the athletes to greater things this weekend.
The next rodeo will be Friday through Sunday at Eastern Wyoming College in Torrington, Wyo. According to Luper, the athletes are excited and have high expectations for the next rodeo.
“They want to win,” he said.
