Trappers' chances at short go appear slim With three preliminary rides in the bank, Powell native and Vernon College sophomore Kaleb Asay has positioned himself nicely to reach the saddle bronc short-go at the 2010 College National Finals Rodeo in Casper. After turning in one of only two rides in Sunday's preliminary round to score more than 80 points, Asay followed it up with performances worthy of 72.5 points on Monday night and 78.5 points on Tuesday night. The 78.5-point ride on Tuesday was the highest-scoring performance among the night's saddle bronc competitors.

Heading into Wednesday's CNFR sessions, Asay was sitting in first place in the overall saddle bronc standings with a three-ride total of 232 points, 6.5 points better than his closest pursuer.

Due to the staggered nature of CNFR sessions, several of the top saddle bronc riders after the second go had yet to take their third-round rides when today's (Thursday) paper went to press. Regardless, Asay's spot in Saturday's championship round appears to be on solid ground.

Asay entered third-round competition in fifth place overall and was one of just seven riders to hold a two-round total of more than 150 points. He was 6.5 points off the lead pace after two rounds.

Asay currently sits 44th on the 2010 PRCA season earnings leaderboard as a saddle bronc rider.

While Asay soared his way toward the top of the 2010 CNFR standings, the Trappers of Northwest College will likely see their appearances at this year's collegiate championship event end after the third go.

Bull rider Cayd Kluesner managed just one good ride in three attempts at Casper. After a no-score to open the event on Sunday, Kluesner tallied a 64.5-point ride on Monday that left him one solid ride away from a likely spot in the short-go.

Unfortunately, that dream dissolved on Tuesday after Kluesner took a tumble before the eight-second horn sounded to again receive a no-score.

Breakaway roper Haily Hamlin bounced back from her opening-round disappointment to put a time of 3.3 seconds on the board on Monday night. Hamlin won't make her third attempt at the event until Friday.

Teammate Cody Proctor continues to struggle in Casper, registering her second no-time in as many attempts on Monday night. Proctor will make her final go of this year's breakaway event tonight (Thursday).

The College National Finals Rodeo continues through Saturday at the Casper Events Center. Championship round competition begins at 7 p.m. on Saturday night.