MARTIN, Tenn. – The 2024 College National Finals Rodeo will include a trio of University of Tennessee at Martin Skyhawks as Clint Southworth, Madde Shelton and Leah Pitts will take part in the 76th annual event held in Casper, Wyo. on June 9-15.
With the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association regular season officially coming to a close this past weekend, the 2024 CNFR field is now complete. UT Martin’s three contestants punched their ticket to the national event by finishing in the top-three of their respective events in the Ozark Region. All three will be making their CNFR debuts while making the 1,250-plus mile trek alongside second-year Skyhawk head coach Chase Thrasher.
Southworth ranked atop the regional standings in tie down roping, accumulating 700 points throughout the season. That number is also good enough for 10th nationally for the senior out of Bagdad, Ky.
A Fayetteville, Tenn. native, Shelton’s senior campaign included 505 points in barrel racing – automatically qualifying her for the CNFR by ranking third in the Ozark Region.
Pitts ranked third in the regional standings in breakaway roping this season as the junior from Gallatin, Tenn. came away with 390 points.
The CNFR is where the NIRA crowns individual event champions in saddle bronc riding, bareback riding, bull riding, tie down roping, steer wrestling, team roping, barrel racing, breakaway roping and goat tying. National team championships are also awarded to both men’s and women’s teams. The top two teams and best three participants from each of the above events across the 11 regions gain a berth into the CNFR, which will feature 400-plus cowboys and cowgirls from over 100 universities and colleges across the NIRA ranks.
