Hope Thompson, an Atlanta, Texas, senior at McNeese State University, took the national championship in breakaway roping at the 60th annual College National Finals Rodeo held in Casper, Wyo., on her horse 8-Track. Photo Credit by Dan Hubbell

On her first trip to the national rodeo finals in Casper, Wyo., Hope Thompson, an Atlanta, Texas, senior at McNeese State University, took the national championship in breakaway roping.

Thompson captured first place with 187 points at the 60th annual College National Finals Rodeo. She roped her final calf in 2.1 seconds, good for a first place finish in the championship round. Consistently good runs in her first three rounds of competition yielded an aggregate score of 11.9 seconds and the national championship in breakaway roping.

Thompson says she was excited about winning the competition. She received almost $6,500 in scholarships, a saddle, championship buckle, a hat and boots as the new champion.

Last year, McNeese teammate Lydia Martin, who was injured this year, won the reserve championship in this event so was there any pressure? "Not really," said Thompson. "Lydia and I are good friends and she gave me advice on what to expect."

This is her last semester to compete for the McNeese rodeo team, as she will be completing her degree in early childhood education next year. However, she plans to continue to compete in area rodeos as long as she can. "I've been competing in rodeos since I was 6 years old - I have always loved the competition," she said.

McNeese rodeo coach Justin Browning says he is very proud of Thompson. "Hope worked very hard all year for this championship. I am very proud of her." McNeese rodeo has a tradition of winning team and individual national championships dating back to the 1950s and Browning said this helps tremendously with recruiting. "When a school wins championships, everyone wants to be part of a program that traditionally wins, and McNeese is one of those programs."

He believes that next year will be even better for the McNeese rodeo program. "Ike Perkins, who placed 17th in team roping at this year's finals, will be returning next year, as well as a few champions from 2007 who were injured this past year," said Browning. "Also, we have quite a few transfer students that are coming next fall that have already made a good showing at the CNFR in the past. One of those students won the 2007 college championship in bareback riding. Next season is going to be great if we can stay healthy. I'm excited for McNeese rodeo!"