SENATOBIA – The first half of the college rodeo season is complete, and after five fall events, the Northwest women's and men's rodeo teams each sit in ninth place in the Ozark Region.

The Ranger men have accumulated 530 total points and rank second, third and fifth in bull riding – the lone event Northwest competes in on the men's side. Sophomores Michael Crenshaw, Jake Keith and Ben Cullum occupy those spots. | Ozark Standings

"The stars aligned for us at Murray State and really gave us a boost in the standings," Lee said. 

The Ranger women also sit in ninth as a team, where sophomore Kindyl Scruggs has helped Northwest gain 130 points in barrel racing. Scruggs won at Magnolia, placed at Murray State and sits in fourth place in the event in the Ozark Region.

"Kindyl has a super horse," Lee said. "She sat out last season after an accident with her horse and didn't compete for us. I think she's primed to go to nationals this year." 

The spring season will kick off the last week of February in Texarkana, Ark.

The CNFR takes the top three in each category out to nationals in Casper, Wyo., where one male has represented Northwest in each of the last two seasons. Brian Dowdy went for the 2010-11 season, followed by Lucas Boatwright in 2011-12.

"I told our team before the season that I wanted four kids to represent us at the finals," Lee said. "I think we're capable of having two men and two women."

Northwest's annual rodeo at the multipurpose arena will be April 4-6 in Senatobia.