For the second consecutive year, Thompson Berryhill, agricultural economics senior at Oklahoma State University, will attend the College National Finals Rodeo June 14-20 to pursue the title of national champion.

The Talala, Oklahoma, native and President’s Honor Roll recipient is the Team Roping Header Champion for the Central Plains Region, earning himself another chance at a national championship.

“It felt good to set a goal back in August and accomplish it in May,” Berryhill said. “I can’t wait to see if I can bring back a national championship for my school, my team and myself.”

The 67th annual CNFR will be held in Casper, Wyoming, and will feature more than 400 of the top competitors from across the country.

“Thompson made his goal very clear this year,” said Cody Hollingsworth, OSU Rodeo program and facilities coordinator. “To witness him not only qualify for nationals, but win the region was a very exciting moment.”

The National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association is made up of 11 regions across the Unites States. The top three competitors in each event qualify to compete at the CNFR. After a week of events, the Championship Round will be held on Saturday, June 20.

“After all the time I have spent, it all comes down to one rodeo,” Berryhill said. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

This year’s OSU Rodeo Men’s Team finished eighth overall in the region with the Women’s Team finishing ninth. OSU Rodeo also had four competitors finish in the Top 15 of their event in the region.

“Thompson winning the region is another benchmark for this program,” Hollingsworth said. “It brings our program to another level, closer to where we aspire for it to be.”

For daily results, rules and CNFR information visit cnfr.com.

The OSU Rodeo Team is part of the OSU College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. Established in 1946 when six young men started practicing and competing together after they returned from World War II, the team has been a member of the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association since 1948 and competes in the Central Plains Region. Today, the OSU Rodeo Team provides an opportunity for students to continue to grow in the sport and gain a top-notch education. For more information, visit rodeo.okstate.edu.

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REPORTER: Sara Honegger

MEDIA CONTACT:
Melissa Mourer
Communications Coordinator
Agricultural Communications Services
144 Agriculture North
Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, OK 74078
Phone: 405-744-3737
Fax: 405-744-5739
Email: melissa.mourer@okstate.edu

Oklahoma State University, U. S. Department of Agriculture, State and Local governments cooperating: Oklahoma State University in compliance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Executive Order 11246 as amended, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and other federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, age, religion, disability, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures, and is an equal opportunity employer.