October 3, 2018 - The Panola College Rodeo Team was back in action September 28th and 29th at Bar None Cowboy Church in Tatum, Texas. The Ponies and Fillies had a great rodeo and we want to thank everyone that came out to watch. Here are some of the athletes who represented Panola well.
Travis Chapman, sophomore from Woodville, Texas, cleaned up in the bareback riding with an 83-point ride. Travis is a young man who finished fourth in the Nation in the 2017 NIRA standings. Chapman has big goals to return to the CNFR this season and bring home a gold buckle. Coach Collins says, “Travis is a scrappy young man, very athletic, and has lots of will power to win. I will expect him to be a team leader and carry a heavy load for this team this season.”
Ross Freeman, Bull Rider from Kountze, Texas, made a great ride for 81 points and a second place finish. Ross went to a lot of rodeos this Summer and has matured into a very physical and mental athlete. “Ross is going to be a great asset to our team and is definitely going to be someone for us to watch in the future of Pro Rodeo,” says Coach Collins.
Seth Rustin, freshman criminal justice major, won 3rd place in the Bull Riding event with a 76-point ride. Seth has been riding well in practice and working on little things to help make his rides way more successful. Seth is eager to work and takes care of business well, be looking for his name a lot here this season.
Maison Davis, freshman from Kilgore, Texas placed 5th in the barrel racing event with a 17.280. Maison is a three event cowgirl with a hard driven determination, great attitude, and a burning desire to win. Maison’s other two events breakaway and goat tying will be something to be watching for in the future.
Jackson Williams, Steer Wrestler from Greenbrier, Arkansas, laid his steer down in 6.8 seconds for a sixth place finish. The cattle were big and rank and Williams weighing in at 145 seemed to be a David and Goliath match up. Jackson was up for the task and will be at the upcoming rodeos as well.
Campbell Grover, sophomore from Purvis, Mississippi ran the clover leaf pattern in 17.320 seconds for an 8th place finish. Her and her horse P have been working hard and beginning to reap the rewards of their labor. P is just a five-year-old that Campbell started in the barrel racing event last year, P really blew up and grew some over the Summer making her a top horse in the Southern Region.
Macon Murphy, freshman from Kechi, Louisiana, teamed up with his heeler, Logan Fontenot to tie one up in 7.4 seconds for an 8th place finish. Macon is a two event hand working both the Calf Roping and Team Roping events equally as well. Coach Collins says, “Macon has a great attitude, he loves the sport, and works relentlessly to achieve his goals. This kid’s future is very big and bright in the sport of rodeo.”
Panola College Ponies Men’s Team ended up with a 4th place finish while the Fillies ended up with a 7th place finish.
Panola College Rodeo Team will travel to Uvalde, Texas October 5th and 6th for the second NIRA Southern Region Rodeo.
