There have been lots of highs from the 2023-24 Montana State University-Northern rodeo teams. With the conclusion of the 2024 College National Finals Rodeo, this chapter has now been written. New Media Broadcasters caught up with head rodeo coach Doug Kallenberger and he shared his thoughts on how his four riders did at the last event of the season.
“It was just nice to be down there with those four kids and six events,” Kallenberger said. “Out of those four contestants, we only lose Mikenna Schauer and the rest of them come back for another year, so we’re super excited about that.”
Kallenberger specifically wanted to address his outgoing senior multi-rodeo participant Mikenna Schauer as well as top saddle bronc rider Garrett Cunningham, who both performed well in front of the Casper, WY crowd for the week of the finals.
“Mikenna Schauer finished tied for third in the fourth in the nation in the women’s all-around,” Kallenberger said. “That’s a really big feat. A lot of people don’t understand that. ”
“You’ve got to work multiple events,” Kallenberger continued. “For her to be down there in three events was really cool.”
“Garrett Cunningham for the second straight time finished in the top-10 in the nation, which was really neat,” Kallenberger said. “He just didn’t draw the best horses, but he rode really well. We’re excited for his senior year next year.”
Before addressing next year, it was time to step back and appreciate the 2023-24 MSU-Northern rodeo teams. Kallenberger reflected on his 11th season in charge and said what he was most proud of in terms of representation from his athletes.
“For the first time ever, our women’s team really competed as a whole team against (Montana State),” Kallenberger said. “They’re the reigning national champions (from) a year ago.”
“It was really neat to see Garrett Cunningham dominate the bronc riding the way he did from top to bottom the whole year,” Kallenberger continued. “It was kind of neat to watch Mikenna Schauer’s career come to an end, and she won five championships over the course of her years here.”
“To watch some of the new ones, we had a couple young kids that were freshmen that finished top-five in our region,” Kallenberger said.
