SENATOBIA – Although the College National Finals Rodeo was canceled for this year, Northwest qualifiers Cade Cowan and Jacob Hodges were still honored with awards for their efforts throughout the 2019-20 Ozark Region slate.

Cowan, who competes in team roping, was awarded a saddle pad for placing third in the Ozark Region standings. A native of Slayden, Cowan and his team roping partner Cannon Smith of Three Rivers College, compiled 405 points throughout the season and placed fourth in the premature season finale in Monticello, Ark. in March.

Hodges received a championship belt buckle and custom saddle for placing first in the Ozark Region for bull riding. A consistent performer for Northwest throughout the 2019-20 season, Hodges notched a second place finish in Monticello, just four points behind the weekend's first place winner, and posted 380 points for the season.

Both athletes would have been the first Rangers to qualify for the College National Finals Rodeo since Ben Cullum in 2014. Hodges is also only the fourth Northwest bull rider in 43 years to win the Ozark Region in that event, joining Cullum in 2014, Virgil Alsup (1995) and Eddy Halfacre (1978).

"I am proud of the accomplishments that Cade and Jacob exhibited this year," Northwest rodeo coach Shelli Benton said. "It was a tough year not being able to finish everything out and go to the CNFR, but we look forward to having Cade return to us in the fall and we wish Jacob the best for his future endeavors."