For the second consecutive year, a member of the Texas A&M University-Commerce Rodeo team has claimed a national championship at the (CNFR) in Casper, Wyoming.
Kincade Henry emerged as the National Champion in the men's Tie Down Roping event, demonstrating exceptional skill and speed throughout the competition. Over the course of four rounds, Henry recorded a remarkable combined time of 35.8 seconds. His remarkable performance in the second round earned him a time of 8.1 seconds, which tied for the fastest single-round time of the entire event.
Henry's achievement marks a significant milestone, as he becomes only the second individual from A&M-Commerce Rodeo to secure an individual national title. Last year, Bryana Lehrmann made history by becoming the program's inaugural National Champion, triumphing in both the Breakaway Roping and Women's All-Around categories.
Another standout performer from the A&M-Commerce team was Cutter Carpenter, who demonstrated tremendous talent in the Tie Down Roping event. Finishing with a cumulative time of 39 seconds flat across four rounds, Carpenter secured a commendable second-place finish nationwide. Adding to his accolades, Carpenter's horse, "Twix," was honored as the 2023 American Quarter Horse Association's Horse of the Year in the men's events. This distinction was awarded to Carpenter and Twix for earning the highest combined points in the men's timed events.
Notably, Ty Johnson made an admirable contribution to the team's success. Although he entered the competition as a substitute for CNFR qualifier Trevor Kernick, who was unable to compete, Johnson showcased his capabilities and dedication. Teaming up with Panola's Cooper Parsley, Johnson secured a commendable fifth-place finish in the final standings of the Team Roping event.
The A&M-Commerce men's team achieved a remarkable feat, securing a third-place finish in the overall team standings—an unprecedented accomplishment for the university at the CNFR. Conversely, the women's team placed 24th overall, with a limited representation of only three competitors.
The collective achievements of the A&M-Commerce Rodeo team at the 2023 CNFR highlight their exceptional talent, dedication, and commitment to excellence in the rodeo arena. Their remarkable performances have brought pride and recognition to the university and the sport of rodeo as a whole.
The full finishing results are as follows:
- Kincade Henry (Mount Pleasant, Texas) – 1st, Tie Down Roping
- Cutter Carpenter (Athens, Texas) – 2nd, Tie Down Roping
- Ty Johnson (Sulphur Springs, Fla.) – 5th, Team Roping
- Addie Weil (Edna, Kan.) – 13th, Breakaway Roping
- Sonora Schueneman (Madisonville, Texas) – 14th, Goat Tying
- Cash Robb (Altamont, Utah) – 15th, Steer Wrestling
- Rylee George (Oakdale, Calif.) – 27th, Breakaway Roping
- Will Farris (Centerville, Texas) – 39th, Team Roping
- Tristan Sullivan (Centerville, Texas) – 39th, Team Roping