Cuesta rodeo team fourth in nation
–After recently competing in Casper, WY, at the 2018 College National Finals Rodeo, the Cuesta College Rodeo Club Men’s Team ranks 4th in the nation and 1st in California. In addition, student-athlete Will Centoni topped the nation in both Bull Riding and the Men’s All-Around competition. Six Rodeo Club student-athletes participated in the national intercollegiate competition June 10th – 16th, facing off against hundreds of the best college rodeo athletes in the nation. The results from the competition are as follows:
- Men’s Team All-Around: 4th place
- Will Centoni (Hollister, CA): 1st Place Bull Riding | 1st Place Men’s All-Around | 2nd Place Team Roping | 7th
Place Saddle Bronc Riding - Taite Stickler (San Luis Obispo, CA): 9th Place Steer Wrestling
- Cayden Cox (Arroyo Grande, CA): 13th Place Team Roping
- Lefty Holman (Visalia, CA): 14th Place Saddle Bronc Riding
- Jake Peterson (Livermore, CA): 19th Place Bull Riding
- Blaize Twisselman (Carissa Plains, CA): 34th Place Team Roping
“Year after year, our Rodeo Club student-athletes improve on the national stage,” said Cuesta College Rodeo Club Coach Clint Pearce. In 2016 the Men’s Team placed 19th in the nation; in 2017, they ranked 14th. “These accomplishments are very meaningful because they’re proof of the amazing talent of our student-athletes. This is only Cuesta College’s fourth year of having an organized Rodeo Club sanctioned by the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association, so our results are truly remarkable.”
Formed in 2014 via the Associated Students of Cuesta College, Cuesta’s Rodeo Club has grown in membership and popularity over the years. The club had 29 members this past year; 40 have signed up for the Fall of 2018.
“Our top national team ranking is very attractive to high school rodeo athletes interested in a successful rodeo program and high-quality college education,” said Pearce. “Our athletes are all full-time students who often transfer on to four- year universities, many to Cal Poly. Our men’s and women’s teams train closely with the Cal Poly Rodeo Team, resulting in our program being a feeder into Cal Poly’s. Several of our student-athletes plan to attend Cal Poly this Fall.”
For more information on the Rodeo Club, contact the ASCC office at (805) 546-3289.
