RANGELY, Colo. (April 21, 2022) - Our CNCC Rodeo goal for our last college rodeo of the 2021-2022 year, was for both Sadie Shake and Hadley Gross to make the barrel racing short go-round at the Utah Valley University college rodeo, which was held this past weekend in Spanish Fork, UT. Both of our student athletes and their equine partners ran in the "slack" after the rodeo on Friday night. Everything was perfect, too.

The stadium was absolutely amazing, giving you the feeling of entering a massive Roman movie set. The weather was cool, but no rain. The footing in the ground got better and better, with each barrel run on Friday night. It was all set up for CNCC's two barrel racers to achieve their year-end goal.
 
Hadley and "Hubbs" were 17^th to run in slack and it was their perfect setup, as the pattern was a long run to the 1^stbarrel, exactly how "Hubbs" likes it, as he is the equine equivalent of 4-wheel drive. They came flying in to the 1^stbarrel and had a great turn, then the same for their 2^nd and 3^rd barrels. They were sitting in 6^th place overall, with an 18.20, and we were all cheering. Now the waiting game began, to see if they would qualify for the Top 10 to run on Saturday night.
 
Sadie and "Ricky" were 31^st out and they made arguably their best run of the entire spring season. Sadie rode her game plan and "Ricky" reacted in unison. It was a beautiful, smooth run, with three tight turns. They were a 17.95, and easily in the Top 10 for Saturday. Hadley was on the edge of the bubble, and we waited for the final results…she ended up 11^th. So, so close!
 
In the short go-round Saturday night, Sadie and "Ricky" had some issues with keeping the barrels up, and 10 seconds in penalties put them out of the running. Regardless, both Sadie and Hadley had a great rodeo and they both rode really well. As their coach, I was proud of them. 
 
Tammy Olson
CNCC Rodeo Coach