Casper College’s James Perrin crowned national champion; team takes fourth at 2025 CNFR

Seven Casper College cowboys competed in the College National Finals Rodeo, June 15-21. T-Bird saddle bronc rider James Perrin from Maple Creek, Saskatchewan, Canada, was crowned the national champion in saddle bronc. Perrin, who had led in saddle bronc riding in the Central Rocky Mountain Region nearly the entire season, scored 305 points, 90 points ahead of second-place winner Montgomery Parsons from Tarleton State University.

In addition, thanks to the hard work of Perrin and the other six Casper College cowboys, the team finished fourth in the nation.

The other six rodeo athletes included Eastan West from Hereford, South Dakota, in saddle bronc riding, and Clay Helm from Miles City, Montana, and Kashton Reynolds from Rozet, Wyoming, in team roping, each taking sixth in their categories. Saddle bronc rider Malcolm Heathershaw from Quinn, South Dakota, tied for seventh. Jade Byrne from Martin, South Dakota, took 20th in team roping, and Monte Downare from Hartsel, Colorado, tied for 28th in bareback riding.

This year’s Casper College CNFR team was coached by Neil Williams, interim head coach, and Jason Furnival, assistant head coach. The CNFR is the culmination event for cowboys and cowgirls from all across the United States and Canada, enrolled in both community colleges and universities. The CNFR is part of the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association.