CASPER, Wyo. - Last week was a tough stretch for bull riders at the College National Finals Rodeo, including Colby Burgess.

Despite a strong effort all week, Burgess was unable to record a score in any of the three initial rounds, disqualifying him for the Saturday night short-go. The sophomore from Houlka stayed on for three seconds in the Thursday evening performance round on ESPN3, but his best ride came earlier in the week, where he lasted 6.5 seconds before being bucked off.

"Even though we didn't cover our bulls, Colby represented us well and gave everything that he had," Northwest rodeo coach Will Lummus said. "That is all you can ask for as a coach. This is a huge start of something special and we are going to the top."

Out of 32 bull riders, only two recorded scores in the initial round and only four recorded scores in the second go. Only three scored in the performance round and six advanced to the short-go, which was won by Caden Bunch of Southeastern Oklahoma State University.

Burgess' CNFR appearance closes the book on a spectacular first season for Lummus and the Northwest rodeo program. Recently, 15 newcomers signed with the Rangers for the 2023-24 season, which will begin in September.