MARSHALL, MO. - The University of West Alabama Rodeo Program began their 2026 campaign in impressive fashion this weekend at Missouri Valley College's Rodeo.
Behind a strong introductory performance from Mattie Chabert, the Tigers' women's team dominated, placing first with 500 points while the men's team took home second place with 510 points. At the conclusion of the Rodeo, Chabert was crowned the All-Around Cowgirl after recoding a total of 325 points. On the men's side, Caden Ussery and Teigan Orr picked up individual wins to lead the Tigers to a second place finish.
"We had some that performed exceptional, others that did the best they could with what they had and others that struggled," said head coach Daniel Poole. "We can't get hung up on the wins nor the mistakes. It's a marathon and the race has just began."
WOMEN'S RODEO: First Place - 500 Points
Chabert led the way for UWA as she finished first in the Goat Tying event. The true freshman accumulated 160 points in the event to win the first event of her collegiate career. Chabert also shined in the Breakaway Roping, earning 120 points in the Championship Round which was good enough for a second place finish. Meah Pinter performed alongside Chabert in the Breakaway Roping and closed with 100 points to add to West Alabama's total.
Competing in the Goat Tying and Breakaway Roping, Chabert also represented the Tigers in the Barrel Racing. Brooklyn Balch competed alongside Chabert as the duo combined for 120 points.
MEN'S RODEO: Second Place - 510 Points
Also making his UWA debut, Ussery delivered a strong performance for the Tigers. Ussery won the Tie Down Roping event with an event-high 180 points. The graduate transfer from UT Martin also competed in the Team Roping event, contributing points to UWA's count.
Orr stole the show in the Team Roping event as he and his partner, Sloane Stewart from NWCC, recorded 170 points to win the event. Orr later competed in the Steer Wrestling and garnered 80 points to put a stamp on an impressive outing.
Carson Cameron, Sam McBride, Austin Brooks, Joiner Peoples, and Brayden Welch also represented West Alabama in the Team Roping and combined for 220 points.
After a fast start to the 2026-27 campaign, West Alabama will now return home for the annual UWA Rodeo Showdown which is set to begin on Thursday at 7:00 p.m. at the Hines Spree Rodeo complex. Action will conclude on Saturday night. Tickets can be purchased here.
