Elliott Wins Canadian Title

Goodwell, Okla. — This past October 30th to November 3rd was the Canadian National Finals Rodeo and one of our very own Panhandle State Alumni stood out in a tough group of rodeo athletes. Clay Elliott, from Nanton, Alberta, attended Panhandle State from 2012 to 2016 majoring in Pre-Veterinary Medicine. During his college rodeo career, Elliott won the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association Central Plains Region Saddle Bronc Riding Champion and the College National Finals Rodeo Saddle Bronc Riding Champion title in 2015.

Elliott has had a very successful professional rodeo career as well, qualifying for the National Finals Rodeo in 2016, 2017, and 2018. He has won several prestigious rodeos this past year such as Rodeo Austin, K-Days Rodeo, Strathmoore Stampede, Stavely Indoor Pro Rodeo, Canby Rodeo, and many more.

The Canadian National Finals this year added a new title to Clay Elliott’s name. The finals consisted of six rounds with the top cowboys in the world. Elliott came in to the finals leading the Canadian standings with earnings of $40,849. Elliott proceeded to win the first round with a score of 86.75 points. He unfortunately did not have as much luck in the second round but came back strong in the next four rounds. Elliott had a score of 83.25 winning third in the third round. He was then 83 points in the fourth round winning the fourth place in the round. He scored 82.25 points in the fifth round tying for third. Finally, Elliott was 86.25 points in the last round winning second in the round and confirming his title as 2018 Canadian Champion Saddle Bronc Rider. Elliott won $29,700 in the six rounds and $11,745 for winning second in the aggregate. Elliot had total earnings of $82,294.67 putting him $9,244.29 ahead of the reserve champion.

“My time at Panhandle State has set me up for a career in rodeo along with options when I retire from rodeo” says Clay Elliott.

Assistant Coach Shelbie Weeder commented, “Clay was a great asset while he was here. We have enjoyed watching him succeed in the realm of professional rodeo. We are so proud of him and look forward to watching him at this year’s NFR.”

The Panhandle State coaches and team are very proud to have alumni go out and do great things and look forward to many more success stories about them.