EMCC men finish fifth at University of West Alabama Rodeo Showdown

LIVINGSTON, Ala. – The East Mississippi Community College men's rodeo team placed fifth this past weekend at the annual University of West Alabama Rodeo Showdown.  The three-day NIRA Ozark Region event concluded Saturday night at UWA's Don C. Hines Rodeo Complex.

The EMCC men's team totaled 290 points while scoring in three events.  Freshman Jace Harris, of Vilonia, Arkansas, led the way by collecting second-place honors and 120 points with a combined time of 22 seconds in tie down roping.  Another 120 points were claimed by the Lions in the team roping competition.  Reigning CNFR National All-Around Champion Marcus Theriot partnered with UT Martin's Douglas Rich to earn 75 points, while Kemper Academy product Jacob Watt and North Pontotoc's Cooper Christensen paired for an additional 45 points in team roping.

East Mississippi's remaining 50 points were secured in steer wrestling by Louisiana native Tristan Martin.  EMCC freshman Zach Varner, of Greenville, Alabama, finished second in the event with a combined 11.5-second clocking.

Though not scoring in women's competition as a team, EMCC freshmen Suzanne Mosley, of Pulaski, and Jadi Gibbs, from East Rankin Academy, advanced to the short go round in the breakaway roping and barrel racing events, respectively.

The team titles of the UWA Rodeo Showdown were claimed by the Missouri Valley College men (770 points) and the Southern Arkansas University women (285 points).

Coach Morgan Goodrich's East Mississippi rodeo teams will next compete, Oct. 13-16, during back-to-back rodeos to be hosted by Murray State University in Murray, Kentucky.