Tristan Hansen Places Third at College National Finals Rodeo

June 18, 2018

Montana Western bareback rider Tristan Hansen placed third in the nation at the College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR) in Casper, Wyo. on June 16, 2018.

Hansen, who was tied for first after his first ride of 78.0, scored 75.5 in the second go-round and a 78.0 on his third ride. He went into Saturday’s short-go tied for third in the nation. He drew “Golden Girl” and scored 73.5 to finish third overall with a score of 305.0 on 4 rides.

Hansen, a senior from Victor, Idaho and a Natural Horsemanship major, has now placed in the top ten at the CNFR three times in his career with the Bulldogs. In 2016, he placed eighth in the nation and in 2017 took second.

“It has been my honor to have Tristan on the team,” said Rodeo Coach Iola “Olie” Else. “He has been a team leader and a force in the bareback riding.”

Montana Western Rodeo Coach, Iola “Olie” Else, was recognized as “Coach of the Year” at the College National Finals Rodeo on June 13, 2018.

The award was given to Else because of her continuous dedication and support while helping rodeo athletes excel in their education and achieve their competition goals. She is not only the only woman to have received this achievement, but also the only coach to receive the award twice. She first received the award in 2004.

June 13, 2018 was also declared “Iola Else Day” in Casper, Wyo., by Mayor Ray Pacheco, for her successful career at the University of Montana Western and her passion for helping improve the lives of her students.

Else will retire from coaching at the end of June after 50 years of involvement with the Montana Western Rodeo Team and Club.

CNFR Recap

• Marlee Mussmann had two great runs in the breakaway roping but missed her second calf (2.3, NS, 2.4). She just missed advancing to the short-go and finished 19th in the nation.
• Brothers Kelly Murnion (NS, 69.5, NS) finished 14th in the nation and Connor Murnion (NS, NS, NS) tied for 19^th in the bull riding.
• Anna Hasper had three quick runs in the barrels (14.97, 15.80, 14.84, 45.61 on 3). She finished 29th in the nation, missing the short-go by a mere 1.2 seconds.
• In the goat tying, Torri Lewis (7.2, 8.1, 7.2, 22.5 on 3) finished 20th in the nation, just missing the cut by 1.6 seconds. Tess Turk (7.3, 9.2, 6.7, 23.2 on 3) finished 26th overall, 2.3 seconds behind the last qualifying spot.
• Overall the Bulldog Women’s Team finished 18th in the nation ahead of Montana State, who were the Big Sky Region Champions.

For more information, visit https://umwbulldogs.com/.