MSU-N's Mack heads to CNFR

For the second straight June, Montana State University-Northern cowboy Charlie Mack will be part of collegiate rodeo's biggest spectacle.

The 2014 College National Finals Rodeo begins this week in Casper, Wyoming, and Mack, who just wrapped up his senior year at Northern, will be competing in the bareback competition.

Mack finished third in the Big Sky Region standings, which qualified him for this week's rodeo. The CNFR officially got underway over the weekend, but Tuesday the cowboys and cowgirls will start things off in the arena. The first performance is set for Tuesday night at 7 p.m., while there will also be rounds Wednesday, Thursday and Friday night. There is slack each morning as well, and a short go-round set for Saturday morning. The championship round will take place Saturday night at 7 p.m.

Last summer, Mack competed in the bull riding and finished 22nd at the CNFR. Northern teammate Robert Wagner competed in both the 2012 and 2013 CNFR's in the saddle bronc riding. Wagner finished 15th overall in the saddle bronc at the 2013 CNFR.