Broncos Rodeo Team Wins Big at CCFR 2025

The Olds College Broncos Rodeo team concluded their 2024-25 season with an impressive showing at the Canadian College Finals Rodeo (CCFR) in Rimbey, Alta., over the May long weekend. The CCFR is the culmination of the season, with only the top 12 competitors from each event, determined by their season-long performance at Canadian Collegiate Rodeo Association (CCRA) rodeos, earning a coveted spot. This is a significant achievement, as many events have up to 40 athletes vying for qualification.

Despite the tough competition, the Broncos arrived at the CCFR with a strong contingent of 24 athletes securing 29 spots across seven events, including several multi-event qualifiers. Standout performers included Cohen Larson and Brody Groves. 

Larson, a third-year Agricultural Management diploma student, entered the finals as the season leader in Saddle Bronc, having won every CCRA rodeo he attended during the regular season. His exceptional consistency earned him almost double the points of the runner-up. Groves, a first-year Environmental Science and Technology student, capped off an impressive rookie year as the season leader in Tie-Down Roping among 20 other cowboys.

These achievements were recognized at the CCFR Banquet, which also celebrated outstanding equine partners. Wyatt Dunner’s horse “Bex” was named Heeling Horse of the Year, Sarah Kirby’s horse “Peewee” earned All-Around Horse of the Year and Logan Stewart’s “Annie” received Tie-Down Horse of the Year.

The Broncos started strong on Friday night with 11 athletes placing in the top five, though no first-place finishes. Momentum built significantly on Saturday night, with 19 of the 24 Broncos placing in the top seven of their respective events. This carried into Sunday afternoon's final performance, where 20 Broncos athletes placed in the top nine, securing three more first-place finishes.

Following the final performance, the aggregate results were tallied, and the season's ultimate awards were presented. Julia Doble, a second-year Environmental Science and Technology student, had consistent top-three finishes in Barrel Racing throughout the CCFR that earned her the title of Reserve Barrel Racing.  

In addition to this, Doble was honoured with the prestigious Cowgirl of the Year Award. This award takes more into account than just performances but also character, and nominations are sent in by contestants and the CCRA Board of Executives vote to determine the winner. Being selected for this award is a true testament to the talented hard working cowgirl that Doble is.  

Cohen Larson continued his dominant run, culminating in being crowned the Canadian College Saddle Bronc Champion. He secured first place in all but one (where he took second place) out of 12 performances all season long.

The team roping duo of Payson Peterson and Brody Groves claimed the title of Canadian College Team Roping Champions after consistently finishing second each night of the finals.

Groves further solidified his impactful rookie year by being named the overall Hi-Point Cowboy of the CCFR. As a multi-event competitor, he had a busy weekend with five of his six performances earning a top-three spot.

“The CCFR is a showcase of what student-athletes have been building towards all year,” said Emily Pugsley, Broncos Rodeo Assistant Coach. “Our Broncos brought everything they had and executed every step of the way. I admire all of their accomplishments in the arena, from personal bests and performance wins, to Canadian college titles. I am most proud of their gratitude to all that support them and the sport of rodeo. All of our athletes had a different definition of what it meant to “win” this season, and it was a privilege to guide them to their individual successes.”

The Olds College Broncos Rodeo team concluded the 2024-25 season with immense success. Beyond the numerous individual accolades, the team proudly brought home the Varsity Team of the Year banner. 

“I have seen the best of the best, to the worst of the worst, and everyone pulled it together to compete hard for the finals,” noted Tanner Girletz, Broncos Rodeo Head Coach, “I am beyond proud of the student athletes and their horses. This, like I have said in the past, is the true meaning of success with rodeo athletes. The work it takes day-to-day to be the best is unreal. All of them worked their tails off and made it come together when it counted. Proud is an understatement.”

Congratulations to all the rodeo athletes on their hard work and remarkable achievements this year!