Setting the Scene

- A group consisting of three men and two women will represent SWOSU Rodeo at the 2017 College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR), which begins on Sunday in Casper, Wyoming

- SWOSU finished the season with the third (men) and fourth (women) ranked teams in the Central Plains Region, but still managed to qualify multiple athletes from both teams for the CNFR

- SWOSU has had 17 individual national champions at the CNFR, the most recent being Tyrel Larsen (Saddle Bronc) in 2012

About the CNFR

- The CNFR is the 'Rose Bowl' of college rodeo, with the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association crowning individual champions in nine different events

- National team championships are also awarded to both men's and women's teams

- Over 400 cowboys and cowgirls from more than 100 universities and colleges compete in Casper each year

- The top three student-athletes in each event along with the top two men's and women's teams from the NIRA's 11 regions will qualify for the CNFR

The Coach

- Mike Visnieski is in his sixth season as the head coach at his alma mater in 2016-17

- Coach V has led the Bulldog women's team to three Central Plains Region championships and two runner-up finishes

- SWOSU has had five team finishes in the top ten at the CNFR and eight individual top ten finishers under the direction of Visnieski

- Competed at SWOSU under legendary coach Dr. Don Mitchell from 1995-99 as a bull rider and team roper

Behind the Chutes

On Preparing for the CNFR

Our athletes are always going to prepare and have a place to practice. A lot of them go home and rodeo once school ends, which means they can compete four or five days a week so they just do that. It's kind of better because they're consistently competing which is better than just practicing.

On Sending Individuals to the CNFR and not qualifying teams

If you look back to the men's team we took to Casper in 2012, we just sent three individuals and they ended up sixth in the nation. Even with our smaller numbers, we can dang sure still compete, but it is more difficult because you don't have the extra athletes to lean on.

On Experienced athletes competing at the CNFR

Definitely, the experience helps. There have been some exceptional athletes come in to the CNFR and do well their first time, but what I've noticed more often is when an athlete comes back that second time is when they are more focused to win instead of being happy that they made it. As far as our group goes, they're going to be prepared mentally and physical for this and it will be fun to watch them.

On what to most look forward to

I just like to see our athletes compete at that kind of level. You can really see what they're made of when they are in a bunch like that. It's the cream of the crop from all the regions and I just look forward to seeing them compete and do their thing.

- SWOSU Rodeo Coach Mike Visnieski

SWOSU Rodeo Notes

- Competing for the SWOSU Women's Rodeo team at the CNFR will be: Kenzie Huffman (Breakaway and Barrel Racing) and Rachel Pozzi (Barrel Racing)

- Representing the Bulldog Men's team at the CNFR are: Nathan Hatchel (Bull Riding), Alex Phelps (Team Roping) and Nick Shenold (Saddle Bronc)

- Hatchel, Phelps and Shenold are all repeat qualifiers for the CNFR, bringing experience for the Bulldogs while Huffman and Pozzi will both be making their CNFR debut

- The CNFR begins on Sunday in Casper and continues throughout the week with three performances in each event leading up to the Championship Round on Saturday evening

- Fans can watch the performances from Wednesday-Saturday live on ESPN3 or by using the WatchESPN app