Cowboys and Cowgirls Return To The Hansen
The University of Wyoming Rodeo Team is set to compete at the Cliff and Martha Hansen Arena from April 24 to 26 for its annual home event. This important stop in the Central Rocky Mountain Region comes as teams near the end of the regular season and the race for College National Finals Rodeo qualification heats up.
This three-day rodeo is the team’s only home event of the season and usually attracts one of the biggest crowds of the semester. With regional standings tightening, the weekend in Laramie will likely have a big impact on UW athletes’ postseason chances.
Two UW athletes come into the home rodeo with strong momentum. Traven Sharon, who competes in saddle bronc riding and tie-down roping, has performed well at the last two rodeos, moving up in the regional standings and becoming one of UW’s top point earners this spring. His skills in both roughstock and timed events makes him a valuable competitor when every point counts.
For the women’s team, Layni Stevens has posted strong and steady results in barrel racing, goat tying and breakaway roping. Her recent performances have made her one of the top all-around athletes in the region, and she heads into the home weekend as a standout to watch in several rounds. Her speed and ability to compete in multiple events have played a big role in UW’s spring success.
Competition begins Friday morning with slack, followed by evening performances on Friday and Saturday. The short-go finals are set for Sunday, when event leaders will compete for the last points of the weekend. All standard National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association events will be held, including saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, breakaway roping, goat tying, barrel racing, etc.
The most competitive in college rodeo, programs from Casper College, Gillette College, Laramie County Community College, Eastern Wyoming College and Chadron State are expected to send full teams. According to the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association, regional standings are determined by cumulative points earned throughout the season, making late‑spring rodeos especially consequential for athletes seeking CNFR berths.
For UW, having a home event is a rare advantage after months of traveling across Wyoming, Colorado, and Nebraska. Competing in familiar surroundings with local fans in the stands often helps the Cowboys and Cowgirls perform well. The Cliff and Martha Hansen Arena is the perfect place for the team’s last home event of the season.
Organizers expect big crowds all weekend and encourage fans to come early. The UW Rodeo Team will share more details, such as performance times and athlete lineups, as the event approaches.
