Contestants prepare for the bareback riding event shortly before the start of the Thursday night performance of the CNFR on June 15, 2017, at the Casper Events Center. (Dan Cepeda, Oil City)
Highlights from the Thursday night performance of the 2017 College National Finals Rodeo at the Casper Events Center. The rodeo continues tonight starting at 7:00, and the final championship round is on Saturday night at 7:00.
Contestants prepare for the bareback riding event shortly before the start of the Thursday night performance of the CNFR on June 15, at the Casper Events Center. (Dan Cepeda, Oil City)
The crowd stands for the singing of the National Anthem during the opening ceremonies of the Thursday night performance of the CNFR on June 15, at the Casper Events Center. (Dan Cepeda, Oil City)
Contestants fill the arena during the opening ceremonies of the Thursday night performance of the 2017 CNFR on June 15, at the Casper Events Center. (Dan Cepeda, Oil City)
Chance Ames of Sheridan College hits the dirt after dismounting from “Super Soaker” in the bareback riding event at the CNFR on Thursday, June 15, in the Casper Events Center. (Dan Cepeda, Oil City)
Rio Lee of Cochise Community College competes in the bareback riding event during the CNFR on Thursday, June 15, at the Casper Events Center. (Dan Cepeda, Oil City)
Cole Frey of McNeese State University looks up at his time after competing in the steer wrestling event during the 2017 CNFR on Thursday, June 15, at the Casper Events Center. (Dan Cepeda, Oil City)
Zach Waley struggles with his steer during the steer wrestling event at the 2017 CNFR on Thursday, June 15, at the Casper Events Center. (Dan Cepeda, Oil City)
Jacey Hupp of South Dakota State University yells in frustration after her goat breaks loose during the goat tying event at the 2017 CNFR on Thursday, June 15, at the Casper Events Center. (Dan Cepeda, Oil City)
Baili Collins of Tarleton State competes in the goat tying event during the 2017 CNFR on Thursday, June 15, at the Casper Events Center. (Dan Cepeda, Oil City)
Tristan Martin of East Mississippi College competes in the tie down roping event during the 2017 CNFR on Thursday, June 15, at the Casper Events Center. (Dan Cepeda, Oil City)
Bradie Gray of Odessa College scrambles to safety after getting stepped on by his bull during the bull riding event at the 2017 CNFR on Thursday, June 15, at the Casper Events Center. He was treated on scene before being transported to the Wyoming Medical Center. According to a Facebook post by the Odessa College Rodeo Team, Gray had emergency surgery due to internal injuries and is in “very critical condition in the ICU”. More surgeries are scheduled, according to the post. (Dan Cepeda, Oil City)
