Yesterday: Callahan Crossley – Tryan
College You Rodeoed For:
Blue Mountain Community College [Pendleton, Oregon]
Years at CNFR and Event(s):
2013, 2014 and 2015 in the barrel racing and breakaway roping.
Years You Won the CNFR:
2015 National Barrel Racing Champion; 2014 Reserve Champion
Hometown/Where You Live Now:
Hometown – Hermiston, Oregon. Now, I live in Huntley, Montana.
Graduation Year/Major/Current Career or Involvement in Rodeo:
I graduated in 2015 with an Associate degree of general studies.
What was your most memorable college rodeo moment?
Probably having a great chance to win the college finals in 2014 and Taylor Engesser beating us in the last round on their amazing horse, which had also been going to the high school finals or state with her sister, if I remember right – similar stories with sharing horses like my sisters and I had shared. That will always stick with me and made losing a little easier when it was to such a cool story.
How did college rodeo shape your career—in or out of the arena?
It shaped a lot of my life, for sure, in and out of the arena, gave me the courage to go out and continue to pursue rodeo after college, which ultimately led me to finding my husband and my little family I have now.
What do you miss most about college rodeo?
Living with friends, then going to rodeos and competing together.
Who had the biggest impact on your rodeo career?
Oh, definitely my family because I got to grow up watching both my mom and dad compete at the professional level. Then, when I was older, I got to watch my sisters do so well in the high school, college, and pro rodeos. So, when it was finally my turn, I had all the support and horsepower from literally all of them to go rodeo – with them at first then eventually I went a little different route.
What’s your proudest accomplishment since CNFR?
Rodeo related – it’s probably winning the Canadian finals in 2018.
How do you stay involved in rodeo today?
I’m very involved in rodeo to this day, but not so much being entered. My kids and I travel around supporting my husband, seeing the sights, and taking in the moments that you take for granted when you have a great horse and are competing yourself! One day we will get back to being entered (hopefully sooner), but for now I’m enjoying the passenger seat and raising babies.
What advice would you give your younger self before that first CNFR run?
Don’t be dumb! Try harder to be prepared, mentally.
Photo by Jackie Jensen
Today: Taycie Matthews
College You Rodeoed For:
I rodeoed for East Mississippi Community College for 2 years and then transferred to The University Of West Alabama.
Years at CNFR and Event(s):
I made the CNFR in the barrel racing in the years of 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024.
Years You Won the CNFR:
2023 and 2024 National Champion Barrel Racer, and 2023 National Women’s Team Champions: University of West Alabama
Hometown/Where You Live Now:
Wynne, Arkansas
Graduation Year/Major/Current Career or Involvement in Rodeo:
I graduated in spring of 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in business administrations. I currently work on our family sweet potato farm and go to rodeos and barrel races on the weekends.
How did college rodeo propel you in your professional career?
Rit taught me responsibly and accountably.
What advice did someone give you during college rodeo that has stuck with you?
Enjoy it because you can’t college rodeo forever.
What has been your favorite rodeo memory so far?
Winning the Women’s Team title at the CNFR.
Who’s your biggest rodeo role model or mentor?
My biggest rodeo mentor would have to be Lisa Lockhart.
How did competing in Casper, Wyoming, affect the way you competed at the NFR?
It didn’t really affect me in any way. Maybe it just helped me in preparing for a smaller pen.
What advice would you give to CNFR contestants as they compete for a national championship this year?
Try your best to stay consistent and take one run at a time!
Photo by Jackie Jensen
Tomorrow: Jordan Driver
College You Rodeo For:
Tarleton State University.
Years at CNFR and Event(s):
4 years; barrel racing and breakaway roping
Hometown/Where You Live Now:
Garden City, Texas
Graduation Year & Major:
May 2025. Bachelors of Science with a Kinesiology Major
What has your journey to the CNFR been like this year?
Being my last year, I wanted to go out with a bang. I set a pretty high goal of winning the Southwest Region in the barrels and all-around at the beginning of the year. I had to remind myself many times that it was a marathon not a sprint, but when the opportunity arises take advantage of it and capitalize on it.
How do you balance college life with rodeo?
Thankfully, I have been very fortunate that my classes and studies are online. It has been very helpful to have that, especially with pro rodeoing as well. I have definitely had to learn how to time manage, and keep myself accountable to stay ahead of my studies.
What’s one piece of advice that you’re taking into your final CNFR?
Have fun and let it all hang out. In the end, it is all in God’s plan what will happen, but I know I have spent the long hours and days preparing for that week, so just go do what I do every day.
What has been your favorite college rodeo memory so far?
There is honestly so many that it is hard to pick one. My most recent favorite college rodeo memory is winning two of the biggest college rodeos of the semesters with my roommate. As well, attending my second CNFR with my two best friends as teammates and competing together for a national title.
What are your goals after the CNFR?
My main goal after the CNFR is to make the NFR. That has always been the end goal, and we are going to give it a run this year.
What role has your team and coach played in your success?
Being apart the Tarleton State University Rodeo Team has been nothing but a blessing to me. My coaches, Mark Eakin and Brittney Stewart, have been a huge part of my success here at TSU; and I will never be able to thank them enough for pushing me past my comfort zones and always being there when I need support. I have met some of my lifelong best friends from being on this team; and I truly believe it is all from being a part of such a well-driven community that is our team. My friends and coaches want to see me succeed beyond just the college stage and would give me the shirt on their back at any time. Knowing that I have that type of support system is what keeps me driven every day.
What’s a piece of knowledge you would give to high schoolers joining the college rodeo ranks this fall?
Be open to change, but always stay true to yourself. You are going to experience so many highs and lows throughout your college career, but that is all what happens when you start to grow and figure out your true self. Also, always believe you belong; if you put in the time and effort everyday no matter the outcome, your success will come.
