Team Roper Heading to College National Finals Rodeo

In team roping, the “header” ropers are scored separately from the “heeler” ropers, and only the top three individuals from each NIRA region in each category qualify for the CNFR. Hughes, an interdisciplinary studies major, finished third overall in the Team Roping Header standings for the NIRA Southwest Region to book his spot in the finals.

Casey Sisk “I’m super excited for what Trey accomplished this year,” said Casey Sisk, ASU rodeo coach. “Not only that, but what a cool deal for our team to have someone make the CNFR in our first year having a rodeo program at Angelo State. We are really excited for our second season next fall, and even more great things are in store for this rodeo team here at ASU.”

Members of the ASU Rodeo Team competed in 10 events during the 2023-24 season. For the first half of the season, Hughes’ top finish was ninth at the Sul Ross State University rodeo event in September 2023. But he flourished during the final three rodeo events in April, taking first place at the Howard County Junior College event and finishing second at the Western Texas College and Tarleton State University events.

Southwest Region Team Roping Header Final Standings:

• 1^st Place: Jett Steward, Weatherford College – 495 points
• 2^nd Place: Jacob Walters, Texas Tech University – 410 points
• 3^rd Place: Trey Hughes, Angelo State University – 405 points
• 4^th Place: Roan Oldfield, Cisco Junior College – 370 points
• 5^th Place: Clayton Huston, Weatherford College – 315 points

For their inaugural season, the members of the ASU Rodeo Team competed as individuals, but their point totals also counted for ASU in the team standings. Hughes accounted for all 405 points for the ASU men’s team.

Trey Hughes (second from left) on the winners stand at the Tarleton State rodeo event As preparations begin and recruiting continues for the 2024-25 NIRA season, renovations and improvements are also ongoing at the ASU Rodeo Complex at the San Angelo Fairgrounds. Public, private, foundation and corporate support has generated an endowment to help fund ASU Rodeo Team operations, as well as a challenge grant to match monetary gifts for funding the complex renovations.

To contribute toward the endowment or challenge match, contact the ASU Office of Development and Alumni Relations at 325-942-2116 or development@angelo.edu. Contributions can also be made online at angelo.edu/give.