MPCC Rodeo Team resumes winning streak right out of the gate

Mid-Plains Community College Rodeo Team member Kahiwa Augustiro rides a bronc during the Iowa State University Cyclone Stampede Rodeo in Ames, Iowa over the weekend. Augustiro took home the All-Around buckle after winning the average in the steer wrestling, taking second in the bull riding and ending up third in the bareback riding. (Photo courtesy of Hailey Hepperly Photography)

The Mid-Plains Community College Rodeo Team is off to a strong start for its spring season.

The team brought home three championships from the Iowa State University Cyclone Stampede Rodeo in Ames, Iowa over the weekend. It was the first competition for the team since the fall season wrapped up in October.

The men’s team finished second, and the women’s team came in fourth in terms of overall points in Iowa.

Kahiwa Augustiro took home the All-Around buckle after winning the average in the steer wrestling, taking second in the bull riding and ending up third in the bareback riding. Fellow Hawaiian, Eli Higa, was right behind him – placing third in the bull riding.

Burke, S. D. native Lainee Even won both long gos and the average to claim the breakaway championship.

Jackson Lunn spurred his bronc to second in the bareback riding. 

Maggie Underhill propelled her way to a third-place finish in the barrel racing, and Tucker Even’s time earned him fourth in the steer wrestling. 

Jaxton Starr, of North Platte, and Colton Zubach, representing Dickinson State University, partnered to snag the fourth-place spot on the team roping leaderboard.

Clay Meyer and Sage Dieter were fifth in that event, Ryan Shepherd and partner Jory Boote from DSU came in sixth, Jace Richter and partner Riley Hannum, representing Black Hills State University, were eighth and Emily Leach and Laysha Cottrell rounded out the competition in 10th place.

Layton Lindner finished the tie-down roping ninth in the average.

“What a great start to the season,” said Aukai Kaai, MPCC Rodeo Team roughstock coach. “Kahiwa really showed the definition of cowboy this weekend - winning the All-Around and the steer wrestling. Lainee roped sharp all weekend and made good solid runs, winning both rounds. We knocked the dust off, and I am excited for the rest of the team to get rolling these next couple of weeks.”

Keeley Vaughan, MPCC Rodeo Team timed events coach, said she has noticed a tremendous amount of dedication at practices by the rodeo team athletes going into the spring season.

“It’s really showing a positive impact,” Vaughan said.

Mid-Plains is up next in Brookings, S.D. The team will compete at the South Dakota State University Jackrabbit Stampede Friday through Saturday.