For most college rodeo athletes, qualifying for the College National Finals Rodeo is a feat they can only hope for in their rookie season. For Trace Scarlavai of Mid-Plains Community College, just making it to Casper, Wyoming wasn’t enough.
The lifelong bull riding enthusiast and competitor was inspired to start riding bulls by his dad, Mike.
After officially punching his ticket to Casper in early May at the conclusion of the regular season, Scarlavai set his sights high. “My goal was to win the National Title’ he said.
Scarlavai went three for three in the preliminary rounds of competition.
Because of a dominant 20 point lead going into the short go, Scarlavai had enough cushion to clinch the National Championship – even after bucking off of his short round bull. In addition to winning MPCC’s first ever National Championship, Scarlavai also secured Men’s Rookie of the Year Honors.
Hayley Witte of Crookston placed 13th at the College Finals in Barrell Racing. Hayley had three good runs representing Fort Hayes State University but was just one place short of making the short go. there were 46 Barrel Racers. Rhett Witt of Valentine placed 21st out of 47 calf ropers with times of 8.8 and 10.8 and a no time.