By:Patrick Hall Friday, 9 June, 2006

Chancy Boeser and Jacob Ritz, both steer wrestlers on the Pratt Community College Rodeo team, will begin their quest for National titles this week at the NIRA College Rodeo National Finals in Casper, Wyoming.

Having spent the entire year at the top of the steer wrestling ranking, Boeser fell to #2 in the Regional Finals, but still earned a trip to Nationals. "I had a good year," said Boeser. "I think I was pretty consistent and used what I drew."

The draw can be a critical factor in every event in rodeo, and steer wrestling is no exception. Jake Ritz's season served as a good example when you consider that he had a strong fall season with excellent draws, but a spring season hampered by weaker stock.

"That's just part of rodeo," said Jake. "Part of it is staying ahead mentally and having the attitude to overcome any situation you face. And part of success is handling the pressure of knowing that you've got to use what you draw." Ritz, the current Central Plains Student President, will be running for the position of NIRA Student President.

The college rodeo finals will bring together the best from the 137 member schools and 3,500 student members. The NIRA sanctions over 100 college rodeos a year and the sport is continuing to grow. To follow results of this year's National Finals go to

http://www.collegerodeo.com/