SWTX Rodeo Team Takes College National Finals by Storm
At the heart of the team’s success was standout barrel racer Acey Pinkston, who, alongside her powerhouse horse Bullet, dominated the arena with unmatched speed and consistency. Pinkston won three out of four rounds in the barrel racing event, including a stunning 13.90-second run in the championship round—the fastest time of the entire CNFR. Her performance earned her the title of National Champion Barrel Racer and propelled the SWTXC women’s team to win the National Women’s Team Championship. Contributing to the team title were fellow barrel racer Natalia Ramirez, who placed second in round two, and breakaway roper Carlee Martinez, whose third-place finish in round three added critical points. Their combined efforts edged out competitors from across the country, including a tough team from Tarleton State University.
On the men’s side, freshman Tyler Calhoun emerged as a rising star in the tie-down roping competition. Calhoun entered the final round tied for first place with his own teammate, Slade Wood. His win in round one, combined with consistent runs throughout the event, earned him the National Tie Down Roping Championship. His achievements didn’t stop there—Calhoun was also named the Reserve National Champion Overall Rookie of the Year and the National Tie Down Roping Rookie of the Year, marking a remarkable debut on the national stage.
Although Slade Wood narrowly missed a national title when his final calf came untied, his earlier win in round two and impressive showing throughout the event were key highlights. Wood and teammate Jayse Tettenhorst also made their mark in the team roping event, placing third in round three. Tettenhorst’s horse, Fireball, received national recognition from the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) as the CNFR Heel Horse of the Year—an honor that reflects both talent and exceptional training.
Coach Joey Almand, who led the team through the season and into the national spotlight, expressed deep pride in his students’ achievements. “What our rodeo team achieved at the College National Finals is truly monumental,” said Almand. “Having three team members qualify for the championship round is exciting in itself, but the fact that all three went into that round in the number one position is even greater. When we finished Saturday night, we had three national titles to bring home. This is definitely the pinnacle of years of hard work and goal setting being fulfilled. I can’t even express how happy I am to have had our college family with us to be a part of this excitement. Having our president, Dr. Hector Gonzales, and Vice President Sandoval and their wives with us to celebrate these huge achievements was just the best. Winning is great, but having people to share it with is even better.”
For Acey Pinkston, the CNFR marked the realization of a lifelong goal. “For our team to have the outcome that we did is absolutely incredible and honestly no surprise to me,” said Pinkston. “Each and every one of us had big goals in mind, and we were there to win. We all worked so hard throughout the year to claim those titles, and once we got to Casper, we only had one job left to do.”
Pinkston emphasized the importance of the horses that powered their success. “The horsepower our team brought was unbelievable, and we couldn’t do it without those four-legged athletes. They simply make our dreams come true. Bullet is an incredible athlete, and he may not understand me when I tell him ‘thank you,’ but I make sure to pamper him and spoil him with cookies every day.”
Reflecting on her journey, Pinkston credited her coach and her choice to attend Southwest Texas College. “Coach Joey stuck with me throughout this entire year and believed in me from the very beginning. Making the decision to come to Southwest Texas College is one of the best decisions I have ever made, and I am beyond grateful for the friendships I gained—and even better, the family members I gained throughout this journey. The CNFR is one of many things I dreamed of winning from a young age. Now I get to proudly say I’ve accomplished that goal—and even added a women’s national championship to it.”
With three national championships, multiple round wins, and national recognition for both riders and horses, the SWTXC Rodeo Team’s performance at the 2025 College National Finals was a defining moment in the college’s athletic history—one built on commitment, passion, and an unshakable team spirit.
As Coach Almand summed it up: “Winning is great. But having people to share it with—that’s what makes it unforgettable.”
For the latest updates on the awards ceremony and contest, visit the college website at swtxc.edu and follow its social media channels.