As one of the newest rodeo programs in the region and the only rodeo program in the region associated with a liberal arts college, Hastings College’s 17-member team has enjoyed astounding success. The men’s team finished fifth in the 13-school region, while the women’s team finished sixth.  
 
Junior Richard Coats, from Hastings, Neb., is the top regional competitor in steer wrestling and finished 13th at the College National Finals in Casper, Wyoming, in June. Coats’ teammate, senior Kyle Sanderson, from Chambers, Neb., finished 6th in the event. He also competes in Team Roping, where he finished 14th in the region. Junior Jace Bowhay, from Beatrice, Neb., had been 5th in steer wrestling until an ACL tear took him out of competition this season, he ended 11th. Sophomore Taylor Meeske, from Colorado Springs, Colo., finished 10th in Team Roping. For the women’s team, senior Sam Chytka, from Broken Bow, Neb., finished 6th in Goat Tying. Several other HC students finished in the top 16-20 slots in the region.  

Watch Sam Chytka ’12 compete in goat tying (4.25mb video). Sam was named Miss Rodeo Nebraska 2012.