MSU-N rodeo teams off to a strong start

The Montana State University-Northern men’s and women’s rodeo teams began their fall season two weeks ago at the Northwest College Rodeo in Cody, Wyoming. And the Lights and Skylights are off to a good start.

Paige Raty started her year off with a bang finishing first in the breakaway roping with a time of 3.3 in the first rodeo of the year.

“Paige just went out and put it all together to lay down a great run.” said head coach Doug Kallenberger. 

Raty’s performance helped the women’s team to a third-place finish, while the men’s team finished eighth. 

“We had a great first rodeo.” said coach Kallenberger “The whole team competed well and we’re ready to continue and finish the whole season this way.”   

With a roster of new competitors, this year looks to be one of the best recruiting seasons MSU-Northern’s rodeo team has had.  The MSU-N rodeo women’s team adds two strong recruits in Calonna Slade and Rybecca Panchuk. Both compete in barrel racing, breakaway and team roping. Both have qualified for the National High School finals. The Skylights also added transfer Tara Stimpson who was in the Big Sky Region team roping standings previously at UGF.  Stimpson also barrel races and breakaway ropes. Other strong recruits include Lauren Fourcolors and Brandi Johnson.   

Returning to the Skylights this season are cowgirls who finished in the Top 10 of last year’s standings:  Sierra Collins, Tori Blea and Raty.   

On the men’s team, new recruit George Marcenko from Rockglen, Saskatchewan, Canada, is a College National Finals Rodeo qualifier in the tie-down roping as a freshman. 

“He handles a rope really well, and he’s already been through a season of classes and rodeo. He knows how to compete, and he’s a sophomore this year with the experience of the CNFR — he want’s to get back, and he knows how to get there.  He’s a great addition to our program.”  Kallenberger said.

The Lights also added incoming freshman John Bell from Harlem. Bell is in the team roping heeling standings of the Montana Pro Rodeo circuit. 

“John knows how to win, and has been in those pressure situations, and has proven he can handle it.”  Kallenberger said.   

Tate Benson from Scobey transferred to the MSU-N rodeo team from Eastern Wyoming College.  Benson has plenty of experience roping on big stages as he has qualified for the National High School Rodeo finals twice in his high school career in team roping heading. Benson tie-down ropes as well. Rounding out a strong recruiting class for the MSU-Northern rodeo men’s team is Yancy Hawley, and Tucker Hould. Returning from last year’s team, and bringing in experience for this team is Kyle Clutter, Andrew Leo, Glen Phillips, Colton Henderson, Canyon Rehbein, and Dillon Pankratz.   

The Lights and Skylights continue their fall season with a Big Sky Region Rodeo this weekend in Glendive.