LIVINGSTON, Ala. – Following a strong start to the 2026-27 season, the University of West Alabama Men's and Women's Rodeo teams return to action this weekend at the University of Arkansas at Monticello's Home Rodeo in Monticello, Arkansas.
Both Tiger squads enter the weekend ranked among the nation's top 25 in the NIRA standings, with the women ranked No. 7 and the men ranked No. 11. West Alabama currently sits atop the Ozark Region in both the men's and women's standings.
The UWA women have accumulated 815 points through the first two rodeos of the season, led by an impressive start from freshman Mattie Chabert.
Chabert has already made her presence known in her first collegiate season, accumulating 500 points through two rodeos. The star freshman has accumulated more points than every other team in the Region on her own. Chabert currently leads the region in Goat Tying with 280 points and has earned All-Around Cowgirl honors at both rodeos to begin the season.
Brooklyn Balch has also made an immediate impact in her first season with the Tigers. The graduate currently leads the Ozark Region in Barrel Racing with 215 points.
Claire Gordon has climbed to the top of the regional standings in Breakaway Roping following a strong performance at the UWA Rodeo Showdown. Gordon earned 155 points in the event and now leads the Ozark Region.
On the men's side, West Alabama has totaled 1,285 points through two rodeos, including an event-winning 775 points at the UWA Rodeo Showdown this past weekend.
Teigan Orr has paced the Tigers individually, ranking first in the Ozark Region in Steer Wrestling and second in Team Roping. Orr has accumulated 250 points in Steer Wrestling while adding 170 points as the Header in Team Roping, just five points behind the regional leader.
Caden Ussery currently leads the Ozark Region in Tie Down Roping with 180 points. Ussery has also helped UWA remain among the region's top teams in Team Roping, ranking third alongside teammate Sam McBride.
McBride enters the weekend after being crowned the All-Around Champion at the UWA Rodeo Showdown. The Tiger Cowboy totaled 200 points to lead the field in the event.
With both teams sitting atop the Ozark Region standings, West Alabama looks to continue its strong start to the season when the Tigers travel to Monticello, Arkansas, for the Arkansas-Monticello Home Rodeo this weekend. The Rodeo will begin on Thursday with action concluding on Saturday.
