**For Immediate Release**
Guttormson to Compete at CNFR
-released by OPSU Campus Communications 05/31/06

Goodwell, Okla. — Oklahoma Panhandle State University student Brandi Guttormson will compete at the College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR) in breakaway roping this June in Casper, Wyo. A senior accounting major from Sawyer, N.D., she placed second overall in the Central Plains Region to secure her spot at CNFR. After all rodeos in the region are completed in the spring, the top three competitors qualify for national competition.

In the breakaway roping, Guttormson had a slow fall, but came out hot in the first spring rodeo held at Kansas State University in Manhattan where she placed first in the aggregate scoring. She followed that with a third place at Garden City Community College in Garden City, Kans. and placed second at the Fort Hays State University rodeo in Fort Hays, Kans. In addition, she led the OPSU women’s team to a first place at the Kansas State rodeo with her second place in goat tying and Guttormson also took women’s All-Around honors at that rodeo.

Coach Craig Latham said, “Brandi is the best and hardest working roper in the Oklahoma Panhandle. She has a great attitude and knows how to win, which is something that can’t be taught. I look forward to her great performance at CNFR.”

After sitting firmly in second place all spring, Latham had hoped to take a men’s team to CNFR, too. At the final spring rodeo at Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Durant, the home team amassed over 900 points while OPSU earned only 400. That moved Southeastern ahead of OPSU by less than 70 points, earning them a team spot at CNFR. While disappointed, Latham said he’s already looking forward to the start of the fall season. Remember, the OPSU Rodeo Team doesn’t rebuild - it reloads!

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