Dahm Starts CNFR with Round Win
Australian native Dawson Dahm spurred his way to 78 points and a saddle bronc riding round win in the first performance of the CNFR. —Photo by Dan Hubbell Photography
Goodwell, Okla. — The opening ceremony of the College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR) dubbed “Bulls, Broncs, and Breakaway” is enough to give any cowboy or cowgirl chills of excitement. The Casper Events Center echoes with sounds of horses rattling the bucking chutes while the bright lights, fireworks, and sponsor flags add to the electrifying atmosphere. The first day of the prestigious CNFR is officially in the books and the Panhandle State Rodeo team kicked it off with a great start.
Sunday, June 10th, showcased many of the Panhandle State talents with Dawson Dahm leading the pack. With all eyes on the coveted red and blue vests hailing from the legendary “Saddle Bronc Riding Capital of the World,” Dahm, the Australian native, came out with guns a blazing spurring his way to splitting the round win in the Saddle Bronc riding with 78 points. Teammate and fellow Australian Jake Finlay also placed in the round in the saddle bronc riding finishing sixth with 75 points.
Moving to the bull riding, Callum Miller kept the momentum of the Australian natives rolling as he rode his way to a sixth place finish. Guymon, Okla. native Dustin Martinez had a great ride started in the bull riding before failing to make the eight-second whistle.
All-around cowboy and Aggie Athlete of the Year Will Martin scored 65.5 points in the bareback riding while teammate Dylan Riggins unfortunately got bucked off. The duo will be looking to swing their momentum in the next round.
Panhandle State’s lone cowgirl to perform on Sunday, Caitlyn Wiswell, had a tough run in the breakaway roping resulting in a no time.
The week has just begun in Casper as the contestants will have a total of three full rounds of competition before the short go held Saturday night where the top 12 in each event will compete. Slack will run through Tuesday which will conclude the first two rounds for all events. Be sure to follow Oklahoma Panhandle State University Rodeo on facebook for all the latest updates.
Courtesy of OPSU