Wharton County Junior College cowboy Logan Moore of Pleasanton earned the title of National Champion Heeler earlier this summer at the College National Finals Rodeo in Wyoming.
WHARTON, TEXAS – When Wharton County Junior College cowboy Logan Moore earned the title of National Champion Heeler earlier this summer, it was the icing on the cake for a competitor known for his tenacity, dedication and consistent performance.
During his time at WCJC, Moore has qualified for the College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR) three times, earned the title of Southern Region Champion, was named the Reserve Region Champion twice and earned a Top 10 in the nation ranking twice. WCJC Rodeo Coach Sean Amestoy said Moore is the ideal cowboy, possessing a near perfect blend of talent and determination.
“Logan is a very good person, humble, honest and hardworking,” Amestoy said. “I am honored to have had him compete for and represent us.”
Moore and Southwest Texas Junior College cowboy Slade Wood teamed up to capture the national title. They placed first in Round 1 (4.8 seconds), fourth in Round 2 (5.2 seconds), eighth in Round 3 ( 6.3 seconds), second in the short round (6.5 seconds), and won the average with a combined time of 22.8 seconds on 4 head. They beat out the second place team by more than six seconds.
Moore and Wood had earlier in the season taken the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA) Southern Region title, finishing in first place at four of the 10 regional rodeos.
A Pleasanton native, it is only natural that Moore gravitated toward being a cowboy. His family ranched, worked cattle and participated in enough rodeos for the youngster to develop a passion for the sport.
“I’ve always wanted to rodeo,” Moore said. “When I was growing up, that’s all I would want to do. I’d rope anything and everything that walked.”
After competing in high school and in a number of open rodeos, Moore set his sights on WCJC. His brother, Mason, had competed for the Pioneers.
“WCJC helped me in my rodeo career by giving me the opportunity to join a college and rodeo in the southern region,” Moore said. “WCJC has also helped me with my education by providing me with good classes and teachers and helping me work towards my degree.”
Moore has now completed his time at WCJC but will continue to rodeo for Texas A&M Commerce. His goals are to return to the CNFR next season, be named the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) Rookie-of-the-Year and make it to the National Finals Rodeo.
Moore credits his friends, family and faith with helping him turn his childhood dreams into a reality.
###
