MARTIN, Tenn. - John Luthi, the head rodeo coach at The University of Tennessee at Martin, has been to the College National Finals Rodeo several times and learned a thing or two, but that doesn't mean he can predict the winner every year.

This year, Luthi's men's and women's teams have made the trek to Casper, Wyo., to vie for national championships. Rodeo action gets under way Sunday afternoon with the annual "Bulls, Broncs & Breakaway" matinee and continues through Saturday night's championship round at the Casper Events Center.

"It's hard to tell what's going to happen," Luthi said. "We have some talented people on both the men's and women's teams, but there are too many variables.

The biggest unknown for the rough stock riders will be the livestock. "There are so many things you cannot control. It's like trying to grow beans and corn without any type of irrigation," Luthi said.

The UT Martin women's team claimed a berth in the CNFR by virtue of winning the Ozark Region title back in late April. The women's team includes barrel racers Heather Moore and Molly Alexander, along with Abby McDuff and Brittany Pratt who will both work the breakaway event. Pratt will also work the team roping.

The UT Martin women's team is making its first appearance at the CNFR since 2004. The team won the Ozark Region and finished 13th in the nation six years ago. The women's best finish at the national finals was third in 1992.

The UT Martin men's team qualified for the CNFR with its second-place finish in the Ozark Region. The men's team includes bull riders Jeff Askey, who finished fifth in the nation last year and Zach Johnson who split second and third in the Ozark Region on his last ride of the regular season at Arkansas-Monticello. Chase Miller, who suffered from a shoulder injury throughout the season, will work the saddle bronc event, while Casey Cason and Josh Chase will work the bareback riding. Cory Kirk will work the tie down roping.

UT Martin's men's team has advanced to the CNFR 35 consecutive years and finished among the top 10 teams in the nation in 2006 (6th) and 2008 (3rd).

"We have to go out there and take care of our business," Luthi said. "We need to take advantage of our opportunities and if the good Lord is willing we will be OK."

The CNFR is the "Rose Bowl" of college rodeo. It is where the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association crowns individual event champions in saddle bronc riding, bare back riding, bull riding, tie-down roping, steer wrestling, team roping, barrel racing, breakaway roping, and goat tying. National team championships are also awarded to both men's and women's teams. Over 400 cowboys and cowgirls from over 100 universities and colleges compete in Casper each year.


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