On the strength of a trio of bronc riders, the University of West Alabama men’s rodeo team finished third at the Murray State Rodeo that wrapped up Saturday night at the West Kentucky Exposition Center.

Chris Smith and Blade Elliott finished first and second, respectively, in bareback riding, while 2013 College National Finals qualifier Andy Phillips won the saddle bronc competition.

“I am really proud of our riders. They scored 420 points between them,” head coach Alex Caudle said. “Andy is coming into form and Blade and Chris are on fire. They are not through winning, in fact, they haven’t gotten started good yet.”

Missouri Valley College won the men’s rodeo as a team, followed by Tennessee-Martin and West Alabama. The UWA women failed to accumulate any points, but according to Caudle “showed a lot of improvement and are getting better.”

Elliott won second and Chris Smith third in the first bareback go-around. Smith took first and Elliott third in the second round, giving Smith the win in the average and Elliott second. Phillips won the saddle bronc second round on the way to clinching the average.

The Tigers return to action Oct. 17-19, hosting the UWA Rodeo Showdown. The show nightly at 7:30 p.m. at the Don C. Hines Rodeo Complex. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for kids 12 and under. UWA students will be admitted free with a valid student ID.