The National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association held the College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR) in Casper, Wyoming throughout the week. Reserve Region Champion and Rookie of the Year for the Rocky Mountain Region Oaklee Giles along with Saydee Davis of the USUE Rodeo team were set to compete in the Barrel Racing event. The CNFR would have other events such as Saddle Bronc Riding, Bareback Riding, Bull Riding, Tie Down Roping, Steer Wrestling, Team Roping, Breakaway Roping and Goat Tying.
The team is coached by Brady Ramone, a seven-year Team Roping competitor with lifelong experience in the arena. He attended Walla Walla Community College in 2013, earning a reserve champion team roper for the Northwest Region. Ramone resides in Orangeville caring for his horses, competing in rodeos and helping run the family cattle ranch.
In the first round of the rodeo in Go 1, with 47 competitors, both girls would finish in the top 20. Giles had a time of 14.44 (18) and Davis finished with a time of 14.33 (14). Giles dropped her time by .22 seconds in the next round, sitting at the 37 position. Davis had another solid time of 14.34, which was good enough for twelfth in the round. In Go 3, Giles ended with a time of 14.58 placing at number 28.
Davis had her quickest time of the event, with a fantastic time of 14.14. Davis would place number six in the nation, with the number one time in the event going to Middle Tennessee State University’s, Tayla Moeykens (13.70). Davis also competed in the Short Go, finishing tenth with a time of 14.42. The duo represented USU Eastern well in the Championships and had a great rodeo season.