RELATED LINKS: Missouri Valley Results (PDF)

MARSHALL, Mo. – The University of West Alabama rodeo teams began the new year at the Missouri Valley Rodeo Showdown over the weekend. The UWA women took the top spot in the inaugural event of the 2023-24 season, while the men finished in fifth.  

After winning eight of the 10 regular season shows last year, including at Missouri Valley, the women's team took the 2023 championship with 440 points, soaring past the University of Tennessee at Martin by 185 points.  

"It was a good start but far from our potential. Some made it happen and others had bobbles that took them out of it," said head coach Daniel Poole. The nerves are settled now. The only thing we should focus on this week is making flawless runs." 

On the men's side, the team took fifth place with a score of 190, edging East Mississippi Community College by 10 points and missing Three Rivers College's score of 205.  

"We are proud of the ones that reaped some rewards from their hard work. There was a bad call that prevented us from finishing better. It's aggravating, but it's also something every team has to face. I know what us coaches need to work on and I believe our guys do as well," said Poole. 

In the calf roping event, Tyler Lovering won the event with a 24.1 average over the two rounds, including a 10.9 score in the second go.

Taycie Matthews won both goes in the barrel racing event with a 29.33 average, while Jaylie Matthews took second in the event.

Lauren Booty finished second on the first round of the goat tying event.  

Kota Wilhite took second in the first go on the tie down roping, while Cooper Cowan also finished second in the first go of the team roping event.  

UWA will next host their annual rodeo show on Thursday from the Hines-Spree Rodeo Complex. Each show starts at 7 p.m., with a pre-show scheduled for 6 p.m. Fans can click here for tickets.