MARSHALL, Mo. – The University of West Alabama wranglers opened its 2009-2010 season at the Missouri Valley College Rodeo Stampede. The UWA men finished fourth with 350 points while the UWA women finished with 140 points in fifth.

“I am pleased with our start to the season,” UWA head coach Chad Phipps said. “We had a good rodeo, but we missed some opportunities that would have given us a great weekend. Justin (Caylor) had an outstanding weekend winning both rounds and the average. Kaitlin (St. Clair) also had a nice rodeo winning the short round finishing in second for the average.”

Justin Caylor won the saddle bronc riding with 175 total points. Kaitlin St. Clair was the top performer for the women as she claimed second in barrel racing. Daniel Poole finished second in bull riding with 125 points while Alex Caudle finished second in the calf roping with 130 total points. Cole Bilbro claimed fifth in the saddle bronc riding with 35 total points. Tray Chambliss garnered 10 total points in bareback riding.

“We had several missed opportunities that we didn’t capitalize on this weekend,” said Phipps. “If we fix what we missed, then we should be the team to beat this year. We have a ton of talent and I’m looking forward to a great year.”

The UWA wranglers return to action Oct. 1-3 as they take part in the Southern Arkansas Rodeo in Magnolia, Ark.