MSU-N Rodeo finishes strong

The Montana State University-Northern rodeo teams wrapped up their 2019 spring season and the Big Sky Region season last weekend in Great Falls.

The Lights and Skylights took part in the 2019 Big Sky Region Finals, hosted by the University of Providence. The two-day rodeo took place inside the Four Seasons Arena and while many Lights and Skylights did well, several Northern rodeo stars also wrapped up a solid season for head coach Doug Kallenberger.

With the Big Sky Region season in the books, the Northern men finished in fifth place in the final team standings. Northwest College edged the Montana State Bobcats for the 2018-19 Big Sky team title.

Northern’s Zane Marcenko finished ninth in the Men’s All-Around standings, as he placed ninth in the tie-down roping and 13th in steer wrestling. George Marcenko placed an outstanding fourth in the tie-down roping, while Shane Birdrattler was sixth in the saddle bronc riding and Liam Marshall was an excellent fourth in the bareback riding. Clay Doney finished 10th in the team roping.

The Northern women also finished fifth in the final Big Sky team standings. MSU won the Big Sky team title, edging out the University of Montana. Jayne Keeley led the Skylights with a ninth-place finish in the goat tying.

All Big Sky Region rodeo qualifiers will now prepare for the 2019 College National Finals Rodeo. The CNFR will take place June 9-15 in Casper, Wyoming.