April 5, 2016 - The Panola College rodeo team was in Hillsboro April 1-2, for the 9th Southern Region rodeo. The Women’s and Men’s teams both had a great showing with both teams winning 3rd place. There were great individual efforts that helped each team to their great finish.
The physically demanding event of the bareback riding was filled with Panola men doing great things. Kole Chandler scored 74 points for a 2nd place finish, while Ethan Andrepont scored 70 points for 3rd place. Bailey Plaisier scored a 65 to win 4th place. The amazing performance in the bareback riding really helped the men’s team to gain momentum that they needed to finish in the top 3. The trio of bareback riders will all three be back to Panola College next year as sophomores.
The women’s event breakaway roping found two Panola athletes in the points placing’s; Sarah Broussard and Laramie Johnson. Sarah roped her calf in 2.8 seconds for an 8th place finish. Laramie posted a time of 2.7 seconds for a 3rd thru 7th place finish. The points they received for their performance helped the team as well as each individuals chance to qualify for the College finals.
The team roping duo of Laramie and Colton Johnson was once again on their best game. The two managed to stop the clock in just 7.6 seconds, for the 7th and 8th place finish. The twins are freshman and will be back next year.
The popular women’s event of barrel racing was very fast and very exciting. Abby Phillips, a freshman from Marshall, would not disappoint. Abby, and her horse Fame, blasted a blazing fast time of 16.13 seconds. The time was good enough for Abby to win 5th place overall. Phillips has plans of being a nurse, therefore she will be at Panola College for at least two and a half years, the great thing about that is we will be hearing lots more about her over the next couple semesters.
The last rodeo of the season, April 22-23, finds a lot of athletes with a great shot at qualifying for the C.N.F.R. in Casper, WY. Laramie Johnson in the team roping and breakaway roping. Colton Johnson in the team roping. The goat tying event, Taylor Gooch has a great shot. Fulton Rutland and Braden Richardson both have a great chance in the bull riding. The season has come down to the last rodeo for some athletes, and it will be very exciting to watch all the hard work and efforts come down to the wire.
