OJC Press Release ID: 2576

Tuesday, October 18, 2016

Otero Rodeo Rattlers Finish Fall Season Strong

The 2016 Otero Junior College fall rodeo season came to a close this past weekend in Cheyenne, Wyo. at the Laramie County Community College rodeo. With five rodeos under the Ratters’ belt, OJC has had a successful fall season.

Leading the Rattlers was sophomore Mason Mardesich (Gridley, Calif.) with first place finishes at both Lamar Community College rodeo and Sheridan College Rodeo in the saddle bronc riding. Mardesich also took second at Chadron State College rodeo. Mardesich currently sits in first in the Central Rocky Mountain Regional saddle bronc riding standings with 445 points.

Tyler Beebe (Bayfield) also had a strong fall season in the saddle bronc riding. Beebe placed in the top ten at four of the five fall rodeos and is currently sitting fifth in the regional standings.

Also placing in the regional standings are Bob Reynolds (Oakland, Iowa), currently eighth in Bareback riding; Justin Hamilton (Flora Vista, N.M.), top 15 in the saddle bronc riding; and Travis Booth (Castle Rock) who had success in the steer wrestling finishing in the top ten at two regional rodeos.

“The 2016 Rattler Rodeo team has a great work ethic and has shown their determination this fall. I am proud of all their hard work and it is going to pay off for them. I know that this team will continue their success and qualify for the College National Finals Rodeo in June,” said Coach Sumpter.

The women’s team has had top ten finishes in the goat tying by Mariah Dermody (Eagle) and Makayla Hamilton (Flora Vista, N.M.).

Currently, after five rodeos, OJC Rodeo is ranked in the top ten in the men’s team standings. OJC was represented in every championship round this fall.

OJC Rattler Rodeo will continue competition during their spring season at Gillette College March 17-19; Eastern Wyoming College March 24-26; Colorado State University April 7-9; Casper College April 21-23; and the University of Wyoming April 27-29. The top three competitors in the region will qualify for the College National Finals Rodeo in Casper, Wyo. in June. OJC Rattler Rodeo is on track for the CNFR.

Mason Mardesich competes in Lamar in the saddle bronc riding. Photo credit BQ photography.