CASPER, Wyo. – The national spotlight wasn't too bright for Cutter Pareo. Making his College National Finals Rodeo debut at the Ford Wyoming Center, the Portales native delivered a masterclass performance in tie-down roping, capturing second place to highlight Eastern New Mexico rodeo.
 
"Shacie and I are so proud all year of each kid" stated head rodeo coach John Sharp. "We are blessed to send three kids to the college finals - it is a great achievement."
 
Pareo was electric from the start, showcasing incredible consistency against the country's elite. He opened the week with a sharp 10.7-second run in round one and backed it up with a 10.9 in round two. But it was round three where Pareo truly ignited the arena, clocking a blazing 8.7 seconds, the second-fastest time of the entire event, to punch his ticket to the short go. Under the bright lights of the championship round, he stayed ice-cold, roping his calf in 9.2 seconds to secure a national runner-up finish and rookie of the year honors on tie down.
 
"What an amazing week for a freshman. No moment was too big for him. And he really showed poise in front of a sold-out crowd on Saturday night," Sharp commented on his freshman standout. "Cutter stands for all the hard work that every person in Eastern New Mexico has. I hope the community and university are as proud of our reserve national champion as we are."
 
Fellow Greyhounds Jacob Walters and Shaeden Marr also battled hard against the nation's best. Walters showed immense grit in the arena, posting a solid 13.0-second run in the opening round of team roping before tough luck resulted in no-times, placing him 44th. He also competed in tie-down roping, highlighted by an 18.3-second run in round two to finish 42nd.
 
"I'm so proud of Jacob. The college finals didn't go the way were hoping, however, he's one of the first kids I recruited when I got the job," Sharp continued. "He represents the brand of ENMU rodeo so well, and he will continue to carry our legacy and brand throughout his life."
 
In breakaway roping, Marr flashed her potential with a quick 11.9-second catch in the second round, ultimately finishing 42nd overall. Together, the trio proudly represented ENMU on collegiate rodeo's biggest stage.
 
"Shaeden was a vital part and leader of our team all year," Sharp added. "The college finals didn't go the way she wanted, but the experience she gained at the college finals as well as all year long will benefit her in all her years after college."

The ENMU men's rodeo team ended the tear ranked 21st in the nation in points while the newly formed caprock region was the highest scoring region on the men's side, proving to be one of the nations best and toughest region.
 
"The long days and nights with every single kid in the practice pen, the volunteer days, and everything we did as a group," Sharp continued. "I'm so proud to be the rodeo coach Eastern New Mexico."