The Missouri Valley College men’s rodeo team has been competing since Sunday, June 9, at the 2024 College National Finals Rodeo in Casper, Wyoming, and have wrapped up performances through the second go-rounds.

Leading the team is Ty Pope, who currently sits second overall in the bareback riding standings through two performances. Pope placed fourth in the first go-round with an 80, and followed with a 79.5 to place second in the second go-round. He has a 159.5 in the average going into the third go-round, trailing only a 161.5. He has collected 110 points so far. In saddle bronc riding, Pope is 23rd in the standings. He posted a no score in the first go-round, but followed with a 75 in the second go-round to place eighth and earn five points.

Also for the team, Kooper Heimburg 15th overall in the bareback riding standings. He opened with a 64.5 in the first go-round, then tied Pope for second in the second go-round with a 79.5. Heimburg has earned 65 points. Tyler Freeman is 26th in the saddle bronc riding standings. Freeman had a no score in the first go-round, and followed with a 71.5 in the second go-round to place at 16th. Additionally, the team roping pair of Easton Kerby and Nathan Pelke had no scores in both the first and second go-round performances.

The men’s team is currently ninth in the standings with 180 points. Clarendon (Texas) leads all teams with 380 points. Pope is second in the men’s all-round standings, with 115 points.

Up next are third go-round performances for the Viking cowboys. Heimburg will compete in bareback riding on Wednesday, while Freeman and Pope in saddle bronc riding and Kerby and Pelke in team roping all compete Thursday. The final third go-round performance will come Friday, with Pope in bareback riding. Third go-rounds will start at 7 p.m., in Casper each evening.

Those advancing to the short go-round will perform in the championship finals of the College National Finals Rodeo, beginning at 7 p.m. Saturday, June 15.