SAN ANGELO, TX — A local team roper on Angelo State’s new Rodeo team qualified to compete in the 2024 College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR) recently. Trey Hughes from Christoval will compete at the CNFR from June 9-15 in Casper, Wyoming. Hughes qualified for the rodeo after posting a strong finish to the ASU team’s first season on the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA) circuit.
In team roping, the "header" ropers are scored separately from the "heeler" ropers, and only the top three individuals from each NIRA region in each category qualify for the CNFR. Hughes, an interdisciplinary studies major, finished third overall in the Team Roping Header standings for the NIRA Southwest Region to book his spot in the finals.
"I'm super excited for what Trey accomplished this year," said Casey Sisk, ASU rodeo coach. "Not only that but what a cool deal for our team to have someone make the CNFR in our first year having a rodeo program at Angelo State. We are really excited for our second season next fall, and even more great things are in store for this rodeo team here at ASU."
Angelo State Rodeo Team's Trey Hughes from Christoval
(Credit: Angelo State University)
Members of the ASU Rodeo Team competed in 10 events during the 2023-24 season. For the first half of the season, Hughes' top finish was ninth at the Sul Ross State University rodeo event in September 2023. But he flourished during the final three rodeo events in April, taking first place at the Howard County Junior College event and finishing second at the Western Texas College and Tarleton State University events.
Southwest Region Team Roping Header Final Standings:
- 1st Place: Jett Steward, Weatherford College - 495 points
- 2nd Place: Jacob Walters, Texas Tech University - 410 points
- 3rd Place: Trey Hughes, Angelo State University - 405 points
- 4th Place: Roan Oldfield, Cisco Junior College - 370 points
- 5th Place: Clayton Huston, Weatherford College - 315 points
For their inaugural season, the members of the ASU Rodeo Team competed as individuals, but their point totals also counted for ASU in the team standings. Hughes accounted for all 405 points for the ASU men's team.
As preparations begin and recruiting continues for the 2024-25 NIRA season, renovations and improvements are also ongoing at the ASU Rodeo Complex at the San Angelo Fairgrounds. Public, private, foundation and corporate support has generated an endowment to help fund ASU Rodeo Team operations, as well as a challenge grant to match monetary gifts for funding the complex renovations.
To contribute toward the endowment or challenge match, contact the ASU Office of Development and Alumni Relations at 325-942-2116 or [email protected]. Contributions can also be made online at angelo.edu/give.
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