The Nebraska rodeo season is hitting its stride, with strong performances across college, high school and junior high ranks—and a major achievement for Chadron State College.
Two Eagles are headed to the College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR), as bareback rider Cinch Kiger and barrel racer Bridget Romey capped off standout seasons in the Central Rocky Mountain Region.
Head coach Lane Day said Kiger built his qualification on a dominant fall stretch.
“He had a really strong fall… I believe he placed no less than second at all the fall rodeos,” Day said.
Even with a tougher spring slate, Kiger held his ground and finished strong to secure his spot.
Romey, meanwhile, leaned on consistency in one of the most competitive regions in college rodeo.
“I believe Bridgette made the short go at eight out of ten rodeos, which is very hard to do,” Day said. “There’s upwards of 100 to 110 barrel racers at all the rodeos.”
For Day, sending two seniors to their first CNFR is a reflection of long-term commitment.
“Anytime you qualify one person, it’s a big accomplishment. To qualify two… it’s really fun to see all the hard work come to fruition,” he said.
Strong weekend across Nebraska
Beyond Chadron State’s success, it was a busy and productive weekend across the Nebraska rodeo landscape.
In the Great Plains Region, Mid-Plains Community College placed second in the men’s team standings, with Southeast Community College finishing fourth. On the women’s side, the University of Nebraska–Lincoln took third.
Mid-Plains athletes picked up event wins in saddle bronc riding and bull riding, while UNL’s Savannah Jensen led the way with a breakaway roping title.
Chadron State also wrapped up its regular season in Wyoming, finishing fifth in the men’s standings and sixth on the women’s side.
At the high school level, rodeos in Hyannis and Arthur featured strong showings from athletes like Remi Wells, who claimed multiple event wins across the weekend.
Junior high competitors added to the momentum in Wisner, with a full slate of winners highlighting the depth of Nebraska’s next generation of rodeo talent.
What’s ahead
The schedule stays full moving into the weekend.
The University of Nebraska–Lincoln hosts the final Great Plains Region college rodeo in Lincoln, while the Nebraska High School Rodeo Association heads to Burwell.
All of the action will be available on AcresTV, and is free to watch on your smart device, Roku, Fire TV, and online at watchacrestv.com.
Learn more here: https://ruralradio.com/rrn/news/2026-cornhusker-college-rodeo-to-be-livestreamed-on-acrestv/