The College National Finals Rodeo will be back in the saddle between June 12th and the 18th. The CNFR will be in Casper, Wyoming, and bringing some of the most exciting rodeo a cowboy or cowgirl could want.

The first College National Finals Rodeo took place in 1948. The affectionate refer to it as the "Rose Bowl" of Western sports. Long before Casper became its permanent home in 1998, the CNFR was a champion promoter of events like barrel racing, bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, bull riding and team roping.

Today, the contenders are pit against one another in various regions with the toughest cowboys and cowgirls comprising the best of the best. Last year's events highlighted what we want to see in tomorrow's superstars. This included folks like Loni Pearce, Cameron Morman, Clay Elliot and Tamara Tunink. Team Blue from Blue Mountain Community took home the Top Women's Team title while Top Men's Team was awarded to Tarleton State's Team Tarlet. Other champions have included May Harley (1950), Bryan Lee Wright (1985), Clayton Michael Ring (1990) and Josie Busk (2004).

Hundreds of entrants will join the fun this year. Each cowboy and cowgirl that participates in the College National Finals Rodeo will be eligible for scholarships. Champions will take home $1,500 for their schools. The top winning men and women's teams will be fighting for up to $5,000 in scholarships.

The CNFR is about preserving a traditional lifestyle that reminds us of a more rugged landscape. But it's also about promoting education. Student athletes come out to the rodeo to compete, to earn money for their educations and schools, and, right after proving their mettle, getting back to the books. We'd love to think every audience member comes out to promote these ideals, as well as to have a good time!

If you can't get out to Casper for the rodeo, keep your eye on the Cowboy Lifestyle Network. They will have representatives at the event capturing every back-breaking moment for the fans. The CLN is a major advocate of the cowboy way, earning their reputation as the number one online resource for all things Western and rodeo. We hope you and the family get to Casper first hand to enjoy the festivities. Otherwise, trust that anything and everything there will be to see at the CNFR will get to you through the Cowboy Lifestyle Network.