Troy University Athletics
Trojans Ride Into Season
9/15/2008 5:00:00 AM | Rodeo
TROY, Ala.- The Trojans jumped back into the saddle after traveling to the Missouri Valley College Rodeo this weekend.
Sophomore Callie Wigington brought back and all-around championship for the Trojans after earning 205 total points in the breakaway and goat tying competitions and qualifying for the barrel racing championship round.
Sophomore Marla Seidleman led the way for Troy, earning 125 points in the breakaway competition at first rodeo as a Trojan. Seidleman had a total time of 7.6 seconds in the two rounds, splitting second and third with Wigington.
The Trojan duo of juniors Clint Keller and Mark Gentry earned 120 points a piece in team roping after posting a total time of 19.4 seconds on two. The pair also won the championship round with a time of 7.5 seconds, the second fastest time of the weekend.
“We were glad to get a good start to this season,” Keller said. “We know that we have some of the best teams in the nation right here in our region, so we have to take advantage of every opportunity we can to earn points.”
Senior Ben Mayworth lent a hand in the tie-down roping and team roping, gaining points in both. Mayworth finished fifth in the tie down roping with a time of 35.4 seconds on two, allotting 60 points to the start of this season. Sophomore Whitney Hazouri partnered up with Mayworth in the team roping, each earning 35 points for their efforts.
“I am glad to get started with something,” Mayworth said. “It was tough not making the College National Finals Rodeo last year, so getting on the board early gives you the confidence you need to keep going and striving to do better.”
Others earning points for Troy included junior Cooper Johnson, junior Jake Thomas, sophomore Tabitha Kiker, sophomore Aaron Lowe, junior Ty Ethridge, and sophomore Ally Hayes.
The Trojans next rodeo is in Magnolia, Ark., at Southern Arkansas University on September 25-27. For more information on regional and national standings for the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association and the Ozark Region visit www.collegerodeo.com.
