Three Rivers’ Cole Skender and Holden Moss both finished in the top five in bull riding at the College National Finals Rodeo in Casper, Wyoming.

They were two of only four bull riders at nationals to go 8 seconds in multiple rounds, and their effort was enough for Three Rivers to finish 13th in the team standings.

“Words can’t explain how proud I am of these guys, plus all the guys and girls who stuck out the whole year last year with all the trials we went through,” Three Rivers coach Chad Phipps said. “I am happy to say both Cole and Holden will be back next year to get their degrees and finish out their college with us at Three Rivers.”

Skender finished second to become the Reserve National Champion. He had the highest score in the first Go Round and placed second in the Championship Round with 83 points for 167.5 points in the average and 215 total points. The only other person to earn points in the championship round was Tristen Hutchings of Sul Ross State, and he won the championship with 241.5 points in the average and 295 total points.

Moss finished fourth with 147 points in the average and 170 total points.

Moss was the only rider to score in his first two rounds and was still in first place when he got no score in the third round.

Hutchings and Austin Allred, who finished third, later scored points in the third round to move into the top two spots.

They were the only four riders to score in multiple rounds.

Three Rivers, which competes in the Ozark Region, will hold its annual college rodeo Oct. 14-16 at the Art Saunders Arena at the Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo grounds.

Scott Borkgren - Daily American Republic