SENATOBIA – Northwest Mississippi sophomore bull rider Brian Dowdy of Pontotoc is heading to the College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR) at the Casper Events Center in Casper, Wyo., after becoming the first Ranger since 2005 to qualify from the Ozark Region.

"I couldn't have done this without coach (Bruce) Lee and coach (Bud) Young," Dowdy said. "I came here to ride for them and they've pushed me a lot. I'm really excited to be representing Northwest and I'm going out there to win it."

The CNFR is the "Rose Bowl" of college rodeo, with the 62nd Annual event running from June 11-18.

"Brian has done a great job this year and has a great attitude," second-year head coach Bruce Lee said. "He's got a never-say-die attitude and nothing seems to get him down or discouraged. If he makes a mistake, he's eager to get it corrected and on the right track. I think he's got a legitimate shot to go out there and win the whole thing." 

The National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA) will crown individual event champions in saddle bronc riding, bare back riding, bull riding, tie-down roping, steer wrestling, team roping, barrel racing, breakaway roping and goat tying. National team championships are also awarded to both men's and women's teams, with over 400 cowboys and cowgirls from over 100 universities and colleges competing from one of the NIRA's 11 regions.

Each contestant has three preliminary rounds of competition prior to the final round on Saturday night, June 18. Scores and times from those three rounds will be added up and the 12 contestants with the fastest total times or highest total scores will advance to the finals.

Complete information about the CNFR and daily results will be available at http://www.cnfr.com/.

To learn about joining the Northwest Mississippi rodeo team or for more information, please contact coach Lee by email at blee@northwestms.edu  or by phone at (662) 562-3430.