News Summary
Rylee George from East Texas A&M University has won the breakaway roping championship at the College National Finals Rodeo, marking another victory for the university’s rodeo program. This achievement highlights the program’s continued excellence, securing five individual national titles in just four years. Alongside George, her horse Royce was named Breakaway Roping Horse of the Year, and the women’s team earned a commendable fourth place overall, matching their best performance history. Coach Dameon White praised the hard work and dedication of the team in achieving these impressive results.
Casper, Wyoming – Rylee George, representing East Texas A&M University, secured the title of breakaway roping champion at the 2025 College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR). This championship further highlights the university’s strength in rodeo, marking the fifth individual national championship in just four years for the East Texas A&M rodeo program. The prestigious event took place in Casper, Wyoming, where collegiate athletes from across the nation showcased their skills in a range of rodeo events.
Alongside George, her equine partner, Royce, earned recognition as the Breakaway Roping Horse of the Year. George’s impressive performance culminated in an overall time of 10.0 seconds, after completing the final round in 2.3 seconds. She finished in a tie for first place with Kate Eiland from Pearl River Community College, both athletes sharing the coveted championship title.
The rodeo program at East Texas A&M has been bolstered by the efforts of five qualifying Lions—George, Jill White, Mayce Marek, Trace Harris, and Garrett Freeman. Each athlete earned their spot at the CNFR by finishing among the top three in their respective events of the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA) Southern Region standings. George and Harris advanced to the championship final after finishing in the top 12 during the qualifying rounds. Harris secured the 12th position in the steer wrestling event.
George entered the final round with a total time of 7.7 seconds from her three preliminary attempts, further demonstrating her strong performance throughout the competition. The women’s team, comprised of just three athletes, achieved a commendable fourth-place finish overall at the CNFR, which matches their best-ever placement in the event’s history. This accomplishment is particularly noteworthy given the limited number of competitors on the team.
The East Texas A&M rodeo program has enjoyed continued success in recent years, with George’s victory representing a significant achievement among a series of strong performances. The 2025 championship follows an impressive track record for the university, which has garnered national titles in prior years, including:
- 2025: Rylee George, breakaway roping
- 2024: Kaden Profili, team roping
- 2023: Kincade Henry, tie down roping
- 2022: Bryana Lehrmann, breakaway roping, and women’s all-around champion
Head Rodeo Coach Dameon White commended the team’s commitment and dedication, highlighting their collective efforts this season. The women’s team’s fourth-place finish at the CNFR adds to the program’s accolades while serving as a testament to the athletes’ hard work and tenacity.
With a strong showing this year, the East Texas A&M rodeo program has set the foundation for future endeavors and successes in collegiate rodeo competitions. Rylee George’s remarkable achievement as breakaway roping champion not only brings pride to her university but also contributes to the ongoing legacy of excellence in the East Texas A&M rodeo program.
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Additional Resources
- Rockwall Herald-Banner
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- Google Search: College National Finals Rodeo
- Greenville Chronicle
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Rodeo
Author: STAFF HERE COLLEGE WRITER
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