Western Oklahoma State College is proud to celebrate the outstanding performances of Rodeo Team members Riley O’Rourke and Jate Saults, who competed on Monday, May 26, at the 2025 Buster Record National Finals Steer Roping College Division in Clarendon, Texas.
O’Rourke entered the competition as the No. 1 ranked steer roper in the nation and lived up to that billing by winning the first go-round and earning the prestigious Fastest Steer Award.
Saults, ranked sixth heading into the event, delivered a clutch performance and roped his way to the 2025 College Division National Championship, earning top honors in a field of the nation’s best collegiate steer ropers. He credits much of his success to the support of his parents, Scott and Jill; his brother, Ralph; and his sister, JoSee, a former Miss Rodeo Nebraska. He also expressed gratitude to his uncle, William McBride, and Western’s Head Rodeo Coach, Jess Tierney.
The college division of the National Finals Steer Roping is a relatively new stage for rising rodeo talent, with its inaugural event held just three years ago. It is a separate event from the College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR), which will take place later this June in Casper, Wyoming.
Both student-athletes have brought tremendous pride to the Western community, demonstrating what it means to compete with grit, integrity, and Pioneer spirit.
For more information about the Western Oklahoma State College Rodeo Team, visit pioneers.wosc.edu or follow us on Facebook at WOSC Rodeo.