MPCC men's rodeo team wins Regional

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Mid-Plains Community College Rodeo team sealed the men’s Great Plains Region title following the Cornhusker College Rodeo in Lincoln on Saturday.

“What an awesome finish to a great season,” said roughstock coach Aukai Kaai. “I am so proud of the entire team and excited for the College National Finals Rodeo.”

The men’s rodeo team secured the top spot in the region behind another strong performance from Kahiwa Augustiro.

The Hoʻolehua, Hawaii native notched second place finishes in bareback riding and bull riding, while also bringing home a third place finish in steer wrestling. His continued dominance secured him the All-Around title for the second straight week.

Bull rider Koby Jacobson also earned himself a buckle over the weekend by securing the top spot in both rounds, before securing the average in the bull riding event.

His teammate, Jackson Lunn, won the short round and the average in bareback riding.

Cinch Painter finished one spot behind his teammate for a fourth place finish in steer wrestling.

Danny Perdew brought home a third place finish in bull riding, while Layton Lindner snagged a fourth place finish in the tie down event.

Ryan Shepherd and Jory Boote (Dickinson State University) sealed the short round win in team roping and finished a strong second in the average.

Maggie Underhill and Whitney Jennings helped the women’s team finish third with a pair of top four finishes.

Underhill brought home a fourth place finish in barrel racing, while Whitney Jennings secured a fourth place finish in the breakaway event.

As added highlights, the MPCC Stampede was named Great Plains Rodeo of the Year, Cinch Painter’s horse BJ won the Great Plains Region Men’s Horse of the Year, and Aukai Kaai was named Great Plains Region Coach of the Year.