LIVINGSTON, Ala. - After over a month off, the University of West Alabama Men's and Women's Rodeo teams return to competition this weekend as they head to Murray, Kentucky for Murray State's Home Rodeo, beginning on Thursday.

Both the Men's and Women's team enter the weekend still in the top-25, despite not competing in 35 days. In their last competition at the Southern Arkansas Rodeo, the West Alabama Men came in fifth while the Women's squad finished in sixth.

"The break was well needed," said head coach Daniel Poole. "It gave everyone time to catch up on school and to work on the small things in the practice pen. I'm certain that we are prepared as ever to compete this weekend."

No.19 Men's Rodeo
The Men's squad remains one of the most talented groups in the country. With Tanner Brown, Clarke Gordon, Stone Reeves, and Cooper Cowan leading the way, the Tigers have a strong chance to win any Rodeo they're a part of. Brown comes into this weekend's competition as the Team's All-Around leader and before the break, he ranked ninth in the country. The senior is at his best in the Team Roping and Tie-Down Roping events but he's flashed his versatility numerous times this season for UWA. While Brown excels in the Team Roping Event, so does Cowan and Gordon as the duo sat in the top-15 nationally in the event after West Alabama's last Rodeo back in October, with Cowan ranking second and Gordon ranking 11th. 

Reeves is ready to resume his sensational freshman campaign in Murray, Kentucky this weekend as the Tie Down Roper carries 385 total points in the Tie Down Roping Event this season. Reeves won the event in his first ever collegiate Rodeo back in the season opener and has since continued to build on that performance, along with teammate Kota Wilhite who will give the Tigers depth across various events this weekend.

No. 23 Women's Rodeo
The back-to-back defending National Championship Women's Rodeo squad is set for their final competition of the Fall Season. Similar to the Men's team, the Women's group didn't put together their best performance in their last Rodeo back in October, contributing to their drop in the standings. With a strong performance this weekend, UWA will soar back up the rankings. 

Ashley Henderson remains the leader of the group as the graduate student currently ranks third in the Nation in the Breakaway Roping event with 425 points. Henderson has won the event twice this season, including an 180-point performance in West Alabama's latest Rodeo at Southern Arkansas. 

While Henderson leads the way, she is surrounded by talent which has led the Women's Team to two team wins in 2024. Like Henderson, Sydney Poole is exceptional in the Breakaway Roping event as the Junior brings a total of 203.3 points into the weekend, while Sarah Curl brings a level of prestige in the Goat Tying event. With Henderson, Poole, and Curl all having great seasons, the depth on UWA's roster makes them a real contender this weekend with Joanna Hammett, Katelyn Carney, Summerlin O'Neil, Meah Pinter all set to compete. 

The Murray State Rodeo is set to begin on Thursday at 7:00 p.m. with the action concluding on Saturday night.