Central Methodist University will be represented at this summer’s College National Rodeo Finals by freshman Jenna Orman, who blew through the competition in barrel racing to lead the Eagles throughout the season.
Orman, a business major, brought home the title of 2026 Ozark Region Champion in barrel racing, qualifying for the national finals in Casper, Wyo. from June 13 to 21. Her trip to nationals will mark the first time CMU has been represented in Casper, after an athlete qualified in 2020 but the competition was cancelled due to the pandemic.
Orman’s success is just part of what coach Amanda Phipps considers an outstanding season.
“We have had a really remarkable year,” said Phipps. “We have been recruiting some really awesome athletes and hope our team is even stronger next year. Most of our team will return for next year’s season.”
The women’s team finished the season fifth overall in Ozark Region competition, out of 15 teams. In addition to Orman’s impressive season, junior Hinsli Dease finished 11th on the year in the breakaway event, earning 195 points for the team, while junior Nealia Courtois came in 18th in barrel racing after a late-season injury to her primary horse.
For more information on the rodeo team, follow their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/CentralMethodistUniversityRodeo or email Coach Phipps at aphipps@centralmethodist.edu.