For the second year in a row, Lamar Community College sophomore Nate Hoey will compete in the College National Finals Rodeo next month.

"It feels great to represent LCC and I hope to perform to my full potential in this year's CNFR," he said.

A native of Montrose, Hoey suffered what could have been a career-ending injury last season but qualified for the 2018 CNFR in the bull riding where he finished 17th in the country. 

"My health is by far better this year," he said. "This season is 10 times better. I haven't had many injuries and am having fun riding bulls."

This season, Hoey won competitions in Chadron, Nebraska; Casper, Wyoming; and the hometown Antelope Stampede rodeo in Lamar, where he won the long round, short round and average. Additionally, he placed second in the Central Rocky Mountain Region in bull riding competition.

Hoey ends the season sitting as the second-best bull rider with 540 points. Lamar's Men's Team ended the season in 10th place with 590 points. Teammate Colton Marshall Crawford from Walsh finished in 14th place (75 points) in Bareback Riding.

"Nate has had a great season riding bulls," said LCC Coach Cole Dorenkamp. "He rides exceptionally well and I look forward to see what the CNFR entails for his success."

Hoey, who started riding at the age of 3, is studying welding fabrication at LCC and plans to continue his college education after receiving his welding certification from LCC.

The CNFR will take place June 9-15 in Casper, Wyoming. For more information on the College National Finals Rodeo, visit cfnr.comand visit collegerodeo.com for a complete list of standings.