Women Claim UWA Rodeo Showdown Title, Men Place Fourth

LIVINGSTON, Ala. – The West Alabama Women's Tiger Wranglers extended their fast start in 2022-23 by claiming a second title in as many weeks, running away with the team championship at the Annual UWA Rodeo Showdown. UWA's men finished fourth at the Hines-Spree Rodeo Complex.

"It was a special rodeo for us. Competing at home once a year can sometimes add some unnecessary pressure, but that didn't seem to be the case this year," head coach Daniel Poole said. "We did a lot of things right and also had a few bobbles. Overall, we rose to the occasion."

The West Alabama women compiled 355 points to run away with first place. The Tiger men scored 355 points to place third.

Heather McLaughlin dominated goat tying with a first-place finish of 175 points. The next closest competitor was 65 points behind. Gabbie Hayes gave the Tiger Wranglers a fourth-place finish in barrel racing.

In addition to McLaughlin's big win, Taycie Matthews was dominating in barrel racing with 180 points to win the event by 55 points. Raven Clagg tied for fourth in breakaway roping with 85 points.

Tiger Wrangler Clarke Gordon won tie down roping thanks to a 10.7 in the first round and 10.2 in the short go.

Kade Goemmer and JT Ellison finished first and second, respectively, in steer wrestling. Goemmer took home the title with 120 points and Ellison placed second with 100 points. Clarke and Blake Lyons of Pearl River Community College teamed up to finish fourth in team roping.

"Our home rodeo was a huge success thanks to so many," Poole said. "I would personally like to thank first and foremost coach Lucas Brown for all that he has done. From his advice to our team and myself, all the way to his back-breaking work. We couldn't do it without him.

"Our team would also like to thank our community and school for supporting us like they do," Poole said. "It made for an unforgettable weekend that we will always remember."

After taking this weekend off, the Tiger Wranglers hit the road for the Three Rivers Community College Rodeo at the Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo Grounds Oct. 13-16.

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Players Mentioned

JT Ellison: Steer Wrestling, Tie Down Roping, Team Roping; 5' 10"; Graduate Student

Clarke Gordon: Tie Down Roping & Team Roping; 5' 10"; Sophomore

Kade Goemmer: Freshman

Raven Clagg: Barrel Racing, Breakaway Roping, & Goat Tying; 5' 0"; Graduate Student

Heather McLaughlin: Goat Tying and Breakaway Roping; 5' 5"; Senior

Taycie Matthews: Barrel Racing; 5' 3"; Junior

Gabbie Hayes: Barrel Racing; 5' 4"; Freshman

Players Mentioned

JT Ellison
: 5' 10"; Graduate Student
: Steer Wrestling, Tie Down Roping, Team Roping

Clarke Gordon
: 5' 10"; Sophomore
: Tie Down Roping & Team Roping

Kade Goemmer
: Freshman

Raven Clagg
: 5' 0"; Graduate Student
: Barrel Racing, Breakaway Roping, & Goat Tying

Heather McLaughlin
: 5' 5"; Senior
: Goat Tying and Breakaway Roping

Taycie Matthews
: 5' 3"; Junior
: Barrel Racing

Gabbie Hayes
: 5' 4"; Freshman
: Barrel Racing