LIVINGSTON, Ala. - The University of West Alabama Rodeo Program dominated the UWA Rodeo Showdown this weekend at the Hines-Spree Rodeo Complex.
Both the Tigers' Men's and Women's Team earned team wins, with West Alabama Men's squad recording 775 points and the Women's team accumulating 315 points.
"Overall, this was the greatest home rodeo we have ever had," said head coach Daniel Poole. "Our team fed off of all the support we received from sponsors, our administration, and our community. None of this would be possible if even one of those three were missing. I'm glad we were able to express some of our gratitude by representing them with a clean sweep."
Sam McBride and Mattie Chabert led the way for West Alabama. McBride earned the status of the event's Men's All-Around Champion after recording 200 total points. For the second consecutive Rodeo to begin the year, Chabert won the Women's All-Around Championship as the star freshman racked up 175 total points.
WEST ALABAMA MEN'S RODEO: First Place | 775 Points
McBride advanced to the Championship Round in the Team Roping and Tie Down Roping events. The sophomore earned 140 points in the Team Roping alongside his partner, Caden Ussery. The duo of McBride and Ussery won the Team Roping event to help lead the Tigers to their team win. Before winning the Team Roping with Ussery, McBride competed in the Tie Down Roping and earned 60 points.
Team Roping proved to be a massive event for UWA as the duos of Joiner Peoples and Brayden Welch, Carson Cameron and Austin Brooks, and Dylan Jones all participated in the Championship Round with McBride and Ussery. The Tigers quintet combined for 260 points to add to McBride's and Ussery's 140 points.
Teigan Orr also put together a solid weekend as he advanced to the Championship Round in the Steer Wrestling. Orr turned in a stellar performance as he accumulated 170 points to win the event. Austin Brooks competed alongside Orr in the event and finished second with 110 points.
WOMEN'S RODEO: First Place | 315 Points
Through two Rodeos, Chabert has put the country on notice. The Freshman earned 175 more individual points tonight after advancing to the Championship Round in the Goat Tying and Barrel Racing events. Chabert finished second in the Goat Tying with 120 points before adding 55 more points to her individual ledger and UWA team score in the Barrel Racing.
Claire Gordon took home first place in the Breakaway Roping. Gordon earned 155 total points in the event, adding on to West Alabama's score. Andi Norwood competed alongside Gordon and recorded 60 points.
Brooklyn Balch continues to make her presence felt as she won the Barrel Racing event. Balch turned in 140 points to finish first in front of the home crowd. Styles Smith competed in the Championship Round as well, adding 10 points to UWA's team.
West Alabama will take their momentum to Monticello, Arkansas for the University of Arkansas at Monticello home Rodeo which is set to begin on Thursday.
