MonticelloLive

The rodeo team for the University of Arkansas at Monticello looks forward to the upcoming rodeos this year after a successful season so far, with members placing well in the past events.

Having placed first or second in the five rodeos held so far for the 2007-2008 season, the rodeo team hopes that they can continue to do so with the rodeo in Meridian, Miss. on March 6 through March 8. A rodeo will follow in Monticello from March 27 through March 29.

One member of the rodeo team, 19-year-old Lana Chastain, a sophomore from Quitman, leads the Ozark Region in the Women’s All-around category with 830 points. Chastain also leads the entire National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association in goat tying with 610 points. A first-generation rodeo girl along with her two older sisters, Chastain enjoys goat tying because it is challenging and requires athleticism. She began goat tying at nine years old and enjoys it because it requires athleticism and because of its challenges.

According to Jolyn Wells, the UAM Rodeo Team coach, and official regional scores, there are other members of the UAM rodeo team also enjoying success this season, including Megan Fisher, who places second behind Chastain in goat tying with 475 points. The combined effort of the women’s team currently places them in first in the region, with a collective 1,855 points. Wesley Clark Brunson and Billy Bart Brunson stand second and fourth in the Men’s All-around category with 965 and 610 points respectively. Overall, the men’s team currently places third in the Ozark Region with 2,445 points. The remaining three rodeos will be held in Martin, Tenn. on April 10 through April 12, then Senatobia, Miss. on April 17 through April 19, and finally Harrison, Ark. on April 24 through April 26.

Sources Jolyn Wells, UAM Rodeo Team coach Lana Chastain

Story by Shane Glass