Tayla Moeykens, a senior from Three Forks, is gearing up for her final run as a college barrel racer at Montana State University. With three runs under her belt, she is currently in second place in the barrel racing event at the 2024 CNFR, just behind defending champion Taycie Matthews. Moeykens’ impressive performance in the third go, where she posted a time of 13.70, has put her in a strong position heading into the championship round on Saturday night.
Coach Kyle Whitaker is optimistic about Moeykens’ chances and is proud of her consistent success at the CNFR over the years. With nine top-five finishes out of 14 career runs, Moeykens has proven herself to be a formidable competitor in the sport. Her next run is scheduled for Friday’s performance, and fans are eagerly awaiting to see if she can clinch the national championship title once again.
In addition to Moeykens, four other Bobcats will be competing in the championship round on Saturday. Trav Johnson and Jaden Whitman are currently ranked fourth and fifth in steer wrestling, while Wyatt Jensen and Bode Spring are tied for sixth in tie-down roping. The competition is set to take place at the Ford Wyoming Center in Casper, Wyoming, starting at 7 pm MT.
Coach Whitaker is hopeful that the team can secure a spot in the top five in both the men’s and women’s categories. The men’s team is currently in 17th place with 195 points, while the women’s team is in fifth place with 440 points. The competition is fierce, with Clarendon College leading the men’s division and Tarleton State leading the women’s division.
As the Bobcats prepare for the final go at the CNFR, the pressure is on for Moeykens and her teammates to deliver their best performances. With years of hard work and dedication behind them, they are ready to showcase their skills and compete for top honors in college rodeo. Stay tuned for the exciting conclusion of the championship round on Saturday night.