ALVA, Okla. – Emmett Edler knew exactly where he stood. Entering the final weekend of the Central Plains Region season, the graduate student’s back was against the wall.
To extend his final year of eligibility into June, Edler needed to climb into the top three of the steer wrestling standings. He did more than just climb; he soared, securing 80 points at the Oklahoma Panhandle State University rodeo in Guymon this past weekend to punch his ticket to the National College Finals Rodeo.
His performance spearheaded a historic sweep for Northwestern Oklahoma State University, as all three CNFR qualifiers from the Central Plains Region will wear the black Rangers vest in Casper, Wyoming.
“I had looked through it and saw the points and had a pretty good idea of what I needed to do,” said Edler, who also serves as the Rangers’ assistant coach. “I knew before it started that I at least needed to have a decent weekend.”
Edler joins region champion Nathan Duvall of Henryetta, Oklahoma, and runner-up Tydon Tsosie of Crownpoint, New Mexico, for the national finals, which run June 14-20.
“For us to make all three qualifiers from one school just goes to show the effort Emmett has poured into that group,” said coach Cali Griffin. “I’m so proud of what he’s doing.”
Edler’s weekend in Guymon wasn’t limited to the dirt of the steer wrestling pits. He was one of three Rangers to qualify for the championship round in multiple events, also advancing in tie-down roping.
“Guymon’s always a great rodeo… it feels like a rodeo movie out of the ’90s,” Edler said. “With this being my last year, I was just trying to soak it all in.”
While the bulldogging trio stole the spotlight, the Rangers will be well-represented in other disciplines. Goat-tyer Payton Dingman of Pryor, Oklahoma, and team roper Colter Snook of Ford, Kansas, both secured second-place finishes in the regional standings to earn their spots in Casper.
The Rangers showed depth across the board in Guymon:
Tie-down roping: Riley Smith finished fourth in the average, while Edler took sixth.
Breakaway roping: Saddie Hammond led the women’s team, placing fourth in both the short round and the average.
Goat-tying: Tyra Tsosie finished fourth overall after a 7.8-second run in the first round, while Dingman tied for fifth in the finale.
Barrel racing: Waci Thomson took fifth in the opening round with a 17.23-second run.
For Edler, the mission is now singular: a national title. He hopes to join the ranks of Northwestern legends like Taylor Munsell and Bridger Anderson who have won it all in Casper.
“My whole intent with coming back for another year was to have a chance to win a national championship,” Edler said. “I was starting to think I might have put the cart before the horse… I’m happy to be right there beside [Duvall and Tsosie].”