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WC Rodeo kicks off 2011-12 Season The Weatherford College rodeo team travels quite a bit with its schedule of competition. The closest rodeo in the fall portion of the schedule is in Vernon, about three hours west of Weatherford. But that's nothing compared to the distance coach Mike Brown would like to take his team early next summer – the College National Finals Rodeo in Casper, WY. in June 2012. “It's really important to get out to a quick start. We did that with the women year and held on,” said Brown. “The guys had so much catching up to do. You fall behind like, you almost have to be perfect to catch up.” The Lady Coyotes were third in the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association's Southwest Region as a team, and qualified two members of the team for nationals. The Coyotes rallied in the second half of the season, but did not crack the top three, still sending one to nationals. Of that trio, one returns this season. Cadee Tew, of Harlowtown, Mont., qualified for nationals in breakaway roping. Savannah Todd (Wilcox, Ariz.) and Cierra Kunesh (Helena, Mont.) also finished in the top 15 in some events in the region. “Those three do a lot of things that score a lot of points,” said Brown. Todd and Brooke Sully (Stephenville) started the season strong, finishing first and fourth in breakaway roping in a rodeo hosted by Eastern New Mexico in Portales, N.M. Also, Cydney Bryan was seventh in barrel racing. The men's team also features some solid sophomore talent, Brown said, including J.D. McCuistion (Collinsville) in roping events, Chance Gasperson (Decatur) in team roping and broncs after he recovers from an injury, Landon Williams (Midland) in roping, Will Burgess (Elgin, Ore.) in bull riding, and Jared Parsonage (Canada) in team roping and bull riding. “In the last three rodeos, J.D. Really looked good,” said Brown. “Will lost time with an injury, but he did some really good things, and when Chance is cleared he'll do fine. We've got a good nucleus to start.” As for the region, Brown said he expects the Lady Coyotes to once again challenge for the top spot, and for the guys to be much improved. “The team that concerns me (among the women) is Texas Tech. They won the region and have three very strong ladies coming back,” said Brown. “But we've got the guns to go out and make a strong run ourselves – and we will. And I think we're going to see more from the guys this season. They've got the talent to make some noise.” Brown is also excited about the group of freshmen joining the team this season. “We've got some really good freshmen to choose from. I think they can do some great things,” said Brown. “Those sophomores last year mentored freshmen, and I expect the sophomores this year will do the same, so we've got some good things ahead.” ----------------------
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