McNeese Wins Four National Rodeo Championships

McNeese State University captured three national individual championships, one team championship and one reserve championship Saturday night at the 70th College National Finals Rodeo in Casper, Wyo.

Mia Manzanares, of Opelousas, is the national champion inboth breakaway roping and goat tying as well as the national women’s all-around champion. McNeese also swept the women’s team championship thanks toManzanares.

Zach Jongbloed, of Iowa, is the reserve champion in tie down roping.

Gabe Soileau, of Bunkie, placed fifth in steer wrestling, while Colton Onyett, of Sutter, Calif., placed 10^thin bareback riding.

The men’s team finished No. 5 in the nation.

McNeese rodeo coach Justin Browning said he was proud of his student-athletes and their accomplishments throughout the year and at this year’s championships.

“Mia was a strong contender throughout this competition and she showed why tonight,” said Browning. “The men also did well throughout the competition.”

McNeese intercollegiate rodeo began in 1947 and this is the 27^thconsecutive year that McNeese has sent students to the national championship finals.