By:Patrick Hall Tuesday, 28 February, 2006

The Pratt Community College Rodeo team had an impressive first outing in their spring season opener at Kansas State last weekend. Head Coach Doug Janke was especially pleased with their early success.

"We're usually all over the place early on," said Janke. "This is an unusually good start for us and gives us a lot of momentum going into this weekend at Garden City."

The cowboys were led by the solo performance of steer wrestler Chancey Boeser. Boeser was tied for first and second in the long round, won second in the short round, then took first place by virtue of the average. Boeser topped a field of fifty competitors.

In team roping, Will Tetrick, the header from Kingman, and Grant Heller, the heeler from Sylvan Grove, placed third in the long round out of 76 teams.

The barrel racers also had a strong weekend. Cowgirls Beth Hager (Thayer), Amy Prather (Goddard), and Samantha Yancey (Warrensburg, MO) placed 12th, 13th, and 15th respectively out of 105 competitors.

Two bull riders were close to placing as well. Brett Zaboktsky (Washington, KS) held on for 7.6 but couldn't quite handle his draw. Steve Flitz (Hillsboro, IL) hung in there for 7.2 on a very tough ride.

The Pratt Rodeo Team next travels to Garden City for a March 3-5 event.