AGGIE RODEO FALL RECAP
Photo Credits: Texas A&M Dept. of Animal Science
Kylie Morse
COLLEGE STATION, Texas - As we kick off the spring semester, let’s take a look back at a busy and successful fall season for the Texas A&M Rodeo Team.
The Aggies kicked off their fall schedule at Panola College on September 26th and 27th, and they made an immediate statement. Gavin French got things started with a fifth-place average in bareback riding, while Tyler Ehlinger added a sixth-place average in tie-down roping. In team roping, Pace Plemons and Chet Fritsch roped their way to a second-place average.
The women’s events were especially strong at Panola. Emma Matchett finished third in breakaway roping, followed closely by Londyn Brazil in fourth. Goat tying saw multiple Aggies in the mix, with Cora Stewart finishing third, Lucy Richards fourth, and Emma Matchett fifth. Barrel racing was dominated by the Aggies, as Ceily Simpton claimed the championship, with McKinlee Paschal fourth and Devin Young fifth. That weekend wrapped up with Emma Matchett crowned Women’s All-Around Champion and Lucy Richards earning Reserve Champion honors.
The team continued on the road with stops at Southwest Texas College in early October, followed by Northeast Texas Community College on October 10th and 11th. At North Texas Community College, Gavin French continued his standout season, taking home the bareback riding championship. Lucy Richards added a reserve championship in goat tying, while Devin Young earned reserve champion honors in barrel racing. Braylee Dyer finished as the breakaway reserve champion, Macie Vaculin placed third in breakaway, and Tyler Ehlinger picked up a third-place finish in steer wrestling.
Later in October, the Aggies headed east to McNeese State University, where Gavin French once again topped the field as the bareback riding champion. Bryson Dyer placed fourth in tie-down roping, while the breakaway roping featured multiple Aggies, including Lucy Richards and Corley Callahan placing across multiple rounds, with Biloxi Schultz and Emma Matchett also finishing in the top eight. In team roping, Chet Fritsch finished fourth and fifth, while Tyler Ehlinger added a sixth-place finish. Barrel racing saw Ceily Simpton finish seventh and Ember Mandola eighth.
The fall season wrapped up at Sam Houston State University on November 6th through 8th, and the Aggies closed strong. Gavin French capped off an incredible fall by once again winning the bareback riding championship. Lucy Richards claimed the goat tying championship, Barrett Shelton finished fourth in steer wrestling, and Kenlee Close rounded things out with a fifth-place finish in barrel racing.
From start to finish, the fall season showcased depth, consistency, and leadership across the roster. With multiple event champions and all-around contenders, the Texas A&M Rodeo Team has set a strong foundation heading into the spring.
The Aggies will kick off their spring season right here in Aggieland on February 20th and 21st, and if the fall is any indication, it’s a season you won’t want to miss.
