T-Bird (Rodeo) Puts 3 in the Short Round at Texas Tech, Taylor-Roukema & Varela Lead SW Region Standings

The Thunderbirds sent Holland Taylor-Roukema, Irvin Varela, and David Baker to the Short Round this week in Lubbock, Texas at the Texas Tech Rodeo.

Team ropers Holland Taylor-Roukema and Irvin Varela earned 80 points overall for the Thunderbirds at Cook's Garage. The duo scored 40 points each in the Long Round, which was third overall with a time of 6.7 seconds. 

"The long round went well for those three boys," NMJC men's rodeo head coach Stewy Kinley said. "We were able to gather a few points from Holland and Irvin who were 3rd in the Long Round. Those guys have been drawing really well and Holland has been scoring really well. He's been in the barrier perfect the last 5 runs or so. You have to score well to be able to win and Holland has been on a roll. Irvin has cleaned it up on the backend like he usually does."

The team ropers unfortunately no timed in the Short Round to finish seventh in the average. Taylor-Roukema and Varela lead the header-heeler standings for the Southwest Region at 200 points. The men's rodeo team is currently 10th in the Southwest Region Standings with 395 points. 

David Baker placed fourth in the Long Round scoring 30 points with a score of 74.5 in the Saddle Bronc.

"Dave's first horse fell down with him and his re-ride was much better," Coach Kinley said. "That horse was snappy and Dave was aggressive. He definitely took advantage of that horse and was able to win 4th in the round and get himself a few points in the standings."

Baker nearly finished his ride in the Short Round but an issue with his saddle caused him to fall in the final moment.  

"Our Short Round didn't really go as planned. A couple little tweaks and our outcome would have been totally different," Coach Kinley said. "Dave had an equipment malfunction and Holland probably needed to take another swing or two. Holland doesn't usually miss that shot and he was pretty upset with himself because he knew what was on the line. It was our chance to get way ahead in the standings. Their 40 points in the Long Round was enough to get them to first in the standings going into Vernon next weekend. It's a great spot to be and we're just going to try to keep our foot on the gas and roll with it."

The T-Birds will have one final rodeo of the spring in Vernon, Texas at the Vernon College rodeo

"As far as the team goes, I think we'll see them finish out the semester well at Vernon next weekend," Coach Kinley said. "I think we're settling in and everyone knows what they need to do. We've had some guys that haven't been drawing well that will hopefully get their chance and some guys that know what they're capable of that will put it all together. We're planning on keeping on our roll in the team roping and get out ahead so we can take some pressure off in the spring."

The women's team has been through the gauntlet of competition week in and week out. Making it out of the Long Round and into the Short Round is no easy task this year. 

"It's been very competitive, and I've been proud of our team for hanging in the top 20 every weekend," NMJC women's rodeo head coach Alexa Wilcox said. "Right now, we take less than 5% of competitors back to the Short Round in two of the three women's events. With so many variables in rodeo, the women's team has a lot to be proud of with hanging in the top 10%. in the first four rodeos." 

Coach Wilcox is preaching positivity when it comes to getting her squad back to the Short Round in Vernon. 

"As we head to Vernon, Texas for our last fall rodeo, I've been trying to encourage the team to stay positive and keep things simple," Wilcox said. "It only takes one run to turn things around, so we are focused on being prepared for the time when opportunity strikes." 

NMJC will compete at the Vernon College Rodeo in Vernon, Texas Nov. 7-9.