Idaho State University Women’s Rodeo Team Wins College National Finals Rodeo

The Idaho State University women's rodeo team, led by freshman Kimberlyn Fehringer Fitch of American Falls, won the College Nationals Finals Rodeo on June 15 in Casper, Wyo.

The ISU women's team finished first with 520 team points; Northeastern Junior College was second with 490 points; and Tarleton State University was third with 435 points. The College of Southern Idaho in Twin Falls finished fifth with 365.

Fehringer Fitch won the breakaway roping with 370 points, earned seventh in barrel racing, and won Reserve All-Around (second place in the all-around competition). To top it off, she was CNFR Rookie of the year.

"She is one of the best rodeo athletes to represent Idaho State University throughout its history," said Melisa Moon Giannini, ISU Rodeo Club advisor. "She is an amazing rodeo athlete."

As impressive as Fehringer’s efforts were, ISU couldn’t have won the competition without the contributions of other team members. Other ISU women scoring points were Shelby Freed of Pocatello who placed 13^th in breakaway roping and 32^nd in goat tying and Megan Gunter of McCammon 15^th in breakaway roping. Kiara Wanner of Preston also finished 39^th in barrel racing.

"Although Kimberlyn won the lion's share of points for our team, it took the entire team to win nationals," Giannini said. "The girls worked hard and the coaches worked hard. It was great to see their hard work and practice pay off. This is the first national championship for an ISU rodeo team."

The ISU women’s team was favored to win the CNFR and held up under pressure.

"The competition was intense. I am so proud of their accomplishment," Giannini said. "This competition is different from many other sports. There are no divisions – we compete at the very highest level against the top rodeo teams in the nation."

The ISU men's team finished 33^rd in the nation at the CNFR and was led by Cy Eames of Gooding who finished fifth in tie-down roping.

"It was a great year for both the women's and men's teams," Giannini said. "And ISU rodeo would like to thank the community, the coaching staff and ISU Campus Recreation for all of their support."

Complete CNFR results are available at www.collegerodeo.com/CNFR/CNFRResults.asp?Year=2013.

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