SUU Men’s Rodeo Team Wins Historic First Regional Championship
Published: June 25, 2026 | Read Time: 3 minutes
CEDAR CITY, Utah – June 24, 2026 – Marking a major milestone in university history, the Southern Utah University (SUU) Men’s Rodeo Team captured the 2026 Rocky Mountain Regional Championship for the first time since the program’s inception. The T-birds capitalized on that momentum at the College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR) in Casper, Wyoming last week, finishing the season ranked No. 9 in the country as a team, while brothers Blake and TJ Bowler climbed the standings to place third in the nation in Team Roping.
Governed by the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA), college rodeo divides the country into 12 regions, similar to NCAA conferences. SUU topped a highly competitive field of nine schools to secure the Rocky Mountain Regional title, outperforming programs from Utah State University, Utah Valley University, Weber State University, Snow College, USU-Eastern, the College of Southern Idaho, Idaho State University, and Colorado Mesa University.
To qualify for the CNFR, which brings together approximately 400 students from over 100 teams each year, student-athletes must place in the top three overall in their event category within the region. Five exceptional SUU athletes punched their tickets to the national stage this season:
- Blake Bowler (Senior, Agribusiness; Enterprise, UT): Regional All-Around Cowboy Champion, 1st in Region Team Roping (Header), 3rd in Region Calf Tie Down Roping.
- TJ Bowler (Senior, Finance; Enterprise, UT): Regional All-Around Cowboy Reserve Champion (2nd place), 1st in Region Team Roping (Heeler).
- Brian Evans (Senior, Biology; Beaver, UT): Regional Reserve Champion (2nd place) in Saddle Bronc Riding.
- Rilee Christensen (Senior, Exercise Science; Logandale, NV): 3rd in Region Goat Tying.
- McCrae Fillmore (Senior, Agriculture - Range Management; Fremont, UT): 3rd in Region Team Roping (Header).
During the grueling 10-day national competition series in Casper, each student competed three times across the preliminary rounds, hoping to secure a spot in the top 12 of their category and compete in the final round on Saturday. While all SUU students performed exceptionally well against the nation's elite, Brian, McCrae, and Rilee placed just outside the top 12. The Bowler brothers set the standard for the T-birds, heading into the finals in fifth place after a strong preliminary performance.
"The Bowler brothers have qualified multiple times for the CNFR, but this year is different," said Shane Flanigan, SUU Rodeo Coach/Advisor ahead of the finals. "They’re grounded, relaxed, and just doing what they do best. I have full confidence they will do well."
Entering Saturday night’s broadcasted final round – known as the "Short-Go" – sitting in fifth place, Blake and TJ delivered under pressure. The duo clocked the second-fastest time of the night in Team Roping at a blazing 5.6 seconds, securing a third-place podium finish overall in the nation.
"My highlight of the CNFR was competing on a big stage representing SUU with some of the best student athletes," said TJ Bowler. "The excitement of the performances with all the music and fans can be intimidating and exciting, but you have to trust the things that have got us here. I’m really lucky to have a great horse and a great partner."
The historic season reflects the industrious spirit and grit of SUU’s student-athletes, showcasing the university's commitment to supporting competitive programs that cultivate teamwork and character.
"What makes this achievement special isn't just the national ranking, but the people behind it," said Michael Blake, SUU’s new Coach/Advisor. "Seeing five students qualify for the CNFR and finishing ninth in the country is a remarkable accomplishment. I'm incredibly proud of what they've achieved this season, and look forward to carrying this excitement and competition into the future of Southern Utah University Rodeo."
About Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University is a caring campus community where students realize their potential through personalized mentorship from people dedicated to helping them soar. Offering a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs, SUU provides hands-on, career-focused learning to prepare students for the future. Located in the world's best backyard, SUU's safe and vibrant campus offers a welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels supported and inspired by both the natural beauty and a strong sense of community. Whether on campus or online, SUU provides an education that is competitively priced and highly valued, giving students the skills and confidence to thrive in any professional setting. This is where students soar!
Contact Information
SUU Marketing & Communication
435-586-5400
kimberlysawyer@suu.edu