Hill College Rodeo teams prepare for second half of season

Hill College Head Rodeo Coach Paul Brown is pleased at the progress his men’s and women’s teams have made so far as they continue to earn both individual and team points for an opportunity to compete at the College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR) in June.

Although the teams are about halfway through the season, every upcoming rodeo is important in the overall standings.

“Our men’s team has been bouncing around third and fourth so far this season,” Brown said. “It is not impossible with five rodeos remaining to move up to one of the top two spots, but McNeese State University and Sam Houston State University both have really good teams this year as well.”

Brown also said Hill College has several individuals who are putting themselves into positions to qualify not only for the CNFR, but also for runs at national titles.

“Sophomore Coy Hebert (Louisiana) was one spot out of making the college finals last year in the saddle bronc riding event,” Brown added, “and he is trying to secure himself a spot in this year’s CNFR – currently holding a solid second place in the Southern Region race (the top three individuals in each event will qualify for the CNFR).”

Also, freshman Bryce Jensen (Huntsville) has a chance to advance in bull riding.

“Bryce has been fighting injuries sustained this past year,” Brown said. “He actually had to switch riding hands but still sits in the third-place spot. Although he had his hand operated on over the Christmas break, he should be ready to light it up this spring.”

Brown also said teammate Cutter Taylor (Jasper), a two-time qualifier and defending regional champion, should rebound from a “tough fall” to make a run in the spring for a third CNFR appearance.

Freshman James Arviso (Arizona), who Brown said is one of the top young headers in the world, is just out of the top three in the standings after having to miss a couple of rodeos in the fall. 

Freshman Sam Shofner (Jasper) is currently in the top five in the healing side of team roping while his partner, Cole Pugh from SHSU, is currently leading the all-around race.

Brown said freshman Koby Douch (Huntsville) and sophomore Mason Vaculin (Cameron) are both sitting well in the calf roping standings where “a couple good calves could get either one – or both – to the CNFR this summer.” 

Vaculin just missed the CNFR this past year after finishing fourth in the team roping.

On the women’s side, Hill College had a few cowgirls place this fall and still have a chance this spring – as both Texas A&M University and Sam Houston State University continue to lead the Southern Region.

Sophomore Kalli McCall (Lufkin) had an outstanding fall semester and currently is in second place in barrel racing.

“Kalli was just awarded Women’s Professional Rodeo Association Rookie of the Year for 2023,” Brown said. “She has several good horses and should be in strong contention for both the regional and national championships.”

Although five rodeos remain on the schedule, fans will have the opportunity to watch some of the best student-athletes in the state compete locally in the Hill College Rodeo scheduled for April 26-27, at the Hill College Rodeo Grounds in Hillsboro. 

The Hill College Rodeo is also the final event of the season and could play a critical role in who advances to nationals.

NIRA Southern Region Spring Schedule:
TAMU-C (Sulphur Springs) - February 2-3
TAMU (Bryan) - March 8-9
TVCC (Athens) - April 5-6
WCJC (Wharton) - April 12-13
HILL (Hillsboro) - April 26-27

The CNFR will be June 9-15 in Casper, Wyoming.

For more information on the Hill College rodeo teams, please visit https://hillcollegeathletics.com