Southern Arkansas University Rodeo Team

06/18/2026

Sanders and Scout McElroy got their third round steer roped in 4.3 seconds to tie for first in the third round with two performances left.
Smarty Rodeo
Learfieldcollegerodeo

06/16/2026

Tomorrow morning begins round 2 of the ! Scout, Westin, and Hayden will also compete later this week in a performance for round 3. Tune into ESPN+ in 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝟏𝟔-𝟐𝟎 and catch all the action at 7:00pm! Good luck Muleriders!

Watch through ESPN+. Click the link below to see where you can watch:https://cnfr.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/CNFR26_HowtowatchCNFRonESPN.pdf


Learfield College Rodeo Smarty Rodeo

06/10/2026

Meet the 2026 CNFR Qualifiers representing the Southern Arkansas University Rodeo Team! Wish them good luck as they travel to Casper, WY!

Scout McElroy is currently studying Business Management. He is from Mountain View, AR and will be heeling for his brother, Sanders, at the CNFR.

Hayden Clay, from Nashville, AR is currently finishing his master’s degree in Agricultural Business. He will be heeling for Teagan Orr at this year’s CNFR.

Westin Barnett will head for Carson Powell in Casper, WY at the CNFR. Westin is a General Business major from Hope, AR.

Good luck Muleriders!

06/02/2026

Every run, every practice, every late night in Story Arena reminds us why being a Mulerider matters. Our team is built on sportsmanship, from helping each other in the box, to stepping in when a horse needs a hand, and always cheering loudest for our teammates.

This is who we are at SAU Rodeo: a family that represents our school and our region with pride and respect for the sport we love. Rodeo has given us a community, and we work every day to give back to it.

Smarty Rodeo
learfieldcollegerodeo

Bullfrog Recruiting

05/15/2026

05/12/2026

Macy Preston of Nicholasville, KY signed her letter of intent this past weekend at the Kentucky High School Finals. Macy is an all around competitor and a welcomed addition to our Women’s Team. Congratulations and Welcome Macy!

05/10/2026

We’re proud to highlight the graduates from the SAU Rodeo Team who have balanced academics, competition, and countless hours on the road. Their journeys continue beyond SAU, and we’re proud to cheer them on!

Faith Davis — Forrest City, AR
MBA graduate. Faith will stay in Magnolia this summer as a VISTA worker before moving to begin her career.

Dakota Benight — Okolona, AR
Ag Business graduate. Dakota is headed to Sherwood, AR to work as a Sales Representative for River City Hydraulics.

Katie Talley — McCaskill, AR
Animal Science (Pre‑Vet) graduate. Katie will continue her journey in Baton Rouge as she begins veterinary school at LSU.

Lex Wood — Morrisdale, PA
Nursing graduate. Lex is starting her career at Hunt Regional Medical Center in Greenville, TX.

Harley Hunter — Baxley, GA
Animal Science (Pre‑Vet) graduate. Harley will continue taking classes back home while preparing for next year’s vet school application cycle.

We are proud of each of you and wish you the best of luck in your future endeavours! Go Muleriders!

05/07/2026

As we wrap up another incredible season, we want to recognize two leaders who have carried the Muleriders all year long.
Hayden Clay and Katie Talley have set the standard for hard work within our team.

Hayden has earned his spot at the College National Finals Rodeo, and we couldn’t be prouder to see him represent SAU in Casper, WY.
Katie is closing this chapter and heading to LSU to begin vet school, continuing her journey of excellence beyond the arena.

Thank you both for the leadership you’ve shown across the men’s and women’s teams. We are so proud of you both!

Once a Mulerider, always a Mulerider.

05/01/2026