Tyrel Virden starts another year at Mesalands

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Photo courtesy of Dan Hubbell Photography. Tyrel Virden of La Luz, NM, at the College National Finals Rodeo in Casper, WY. He finished 12th in the nation in steer wrestling.

TUCUMCARI, NM (08/23/2011)(readMedia)-- Tyrel Virden of La Luz, NM, has started back to college at Mesalands Community College, majoring in Wind Energy Technology. He will also compete another year on the Mesalands Rodeo Team.

Last year Mesalands brought home the Grand Canyon Regional Championship title. The Team also sent eight students to compete at the 2011 College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR) in Casper, WY, in June. Seven out of the eight students finished top 25 in the nation.

Virden finished the short round in 8th place and then missed his final steer. He still competed well, ending his season 12th in the nation in steer wrestling.

"Ty did well at nationals. He had some really good runs on the steer he drew," C.J. Aragon, Mesalands Intercollegiate Rodeo Coach said.

Virden says he expected to make it back to the short round and finish in the top five. But he says he is pleased on his overall performance.

"Overall, I am pretty thrilled how I did!" Virden said. "I just wish I would have done better in the short round."

The Mesalands Community College Rodeo Team will kick of the 2011-2012 season at home when they host the first Grand Canyon Regional Rodeo of the year, September 16-17, 2011 at the Quay County Fairgrounds.