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Chukars rope first wins in home arena

There was plenty of bucking and roping Friday night at the regional and Chukar rodeo that showcased local college talent. (The Enterprise / Kristine de Leon)

ONTARIO – The Treasure Valley Community College Rodeo teams got their seasons off to a strong start over the weekend at the Regional and Chukar Rodeo held at the Malheur County Fairgrounds, with both the cowboys and cowgirls winning the team titles.

Friday night was the season-opening rodeo for the Northwest region of the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association, which includes 13 colleges and universities. 

“This is the first of five rodeos in the Northwest,” said Drew Pearson, TVCC rodeo coach. “In college rodeo, there’s no conferences. Everybody competes against everybody.”

“Each year our program has taken off,” Pearson said. “We give out several scholarships each year for rodeo. I think right now, between women and men, we have 18 kids on tuition waivers.”

He said what makes the TVCC rodeo team strong is that his student athletes can compete in multiple events.

The rodeo all-around men’s and women’s champions and event winners were honored on Saturday after the Chukar Rodeo. They were:

All-around men’s – Preston Pederson

All-around women’s – Janet Reeves

Reserve all-around – Jacey Leach

Reserve all-around – Bryce Harrison

Barrel-racing champion – Calli Kaufman

Team roping header – Preston Pederson

Team roping heeler – Rayna Longeway

Goat-tying – Janey Reeves

Steer wrestling – Preston Pederson

Breakaway roping – Jacey Leach

Tie-down roping – Garrett Springer

Saddle bronc – Jonathon Villagrana

Bareback – Payton Wright