The Panola College Rodeo Team traveled to Robstown, Texas for the Texas A&M Rodeo on the 22nd and 23rd for the 7th of the 10 Southern Region Rodeo's. The Men's team won 2nd place and held their lead in the standings, while the Women's team won second and moved to 8th place in the region. Here are some of the individual results:
Abbie Muckelroy, freshman from Center, turned in two fast times in the Barrel Racing on her horse called Frosty. Frosty ran a 17.82 to win 3rd in the long go, and followed that time up in the short go with a 17.30 to win the fast time of the short go. The total time of 35.50 won 2nd place in the average. Frosty has had some time off this fall for breathing issues, but after proper vet care and rehab is back to winning and in fine fashion.
Daylon Swearingen, a three event rough stock hand, stormed into Robstown to handle business. Daylon won 3rd place in the Bareback Riding with 2 great scores of 75 and 77. Swearingen then moved over to the Saddle Bronc Riding to score a 73 and a 5th place finish in round 1. Bull Riding was no match for the Panola man there either, where he scored 74 points on each of his bulls, for a 2nd place overall finish. Daylon was strong enough in all his events to win the all-around Championship as well. Coach Collins said "Daylon is a beast, he keeps a full time Pro Rodeo schedule, competes in College Rodeo's, always handles his classes and business well. He is an amazing athlete and a great addition to our team. Daylon is also ranked 16th in Bull Riding world standings and 8th place All-Around Cowboy. Watch this guy because he is going to be around for a while."
Logan Cook, Alto Texas sophomore, and all-around cowboy was not far behind. Logan took care of business in the Saddle Bronc Riding with scores of 79 and 60. The first round ride won 2nd in the long go, while the average score on two head won 4th place. Logan's other event, Tie down Roping, was fast. Logan's times of 9.8 and 12.4 placed him 4th in the short go and 4th in the average. Cook won the All-Around Championship last year, and is in a commanding lead this year. Coach Collins said "Cookie is one of the most talented athletes I have ever had the privilege to coach, he will graduate this spring, and I will miss him so much! Keep looking for his name in the Pro Rodeo world, because he will go on and do great things."
The Rodeo Team will be back in action again March 15th and 16th in Bryan, Texas.