Since 1966, Blue Mountain Community College Rodeo has made a name for itself as a top competitor in the Northwest Region.
As BMCC held its final event of the year with the Northwest Region Finals of the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association at the Eastern Oregon Trade & Event Center April 26-27, history continued to be made. Five BMCC student-athletes will take their talents to Casper, Wyo., to the College National Finals Rodeo in June.
It came down to a final push for points for the men’s Northwest Regoin title, but with strong showings from Preston Pederson, Duncan Makenzie, Bryce Harrison, and Payton Wright, the BMCC men’s rodeo team captured the men’s team title over Walla Walla Community College by 800 points. The BMCC women’s rodeo team finished fourth in the team standings, but were encouraged by the results after a strong field of competitors. Preston Pederson captured the men’s all-around title after a strong season, and will travel to Casper, Wyo., to compete in steer wrestling and tie down roping where he finished third and second , respectively, in the Northwest Region. Bryce Harrison put his name on the map and will also travel to the CNFR after winning the steer wrestling event. Duncan Makenzie was not about to be left out of the party to Wyoming as he punched his ticket to the CNFR in tie-down roping by finishing third overall. Payton Wright had already locked up his title in the bareback but wanted to ensure it was his as he was the only rider all weekend to complete a ride. Clay Hall had quite the crowd from Australia cheering him on as he walked his way to the Northwest Region title for bull riding by 300 points.
Coaches Shawn Eng and Kayla Tiegs were very encouraged with their team’s performance this past weekend.
“Kayla and I were very pleased with the performance of the team,” said Eng. “We had a lot of freshmen this year and got off to a slow start, but ended with a stellar performance to put us over the top. I am looking straight ahead to Casper with the men we have qualified from both ends of the arena in the timed events and rough stock, we will be going with a legit shot at a national title.”
