The University of West Alabama rodeo team has become a regular participant in the College National Rodeo Finals in Casper, Wyo., and now they will compete for national titles with the assistance of a new partner.

UWA Rodeo and SouthFresh Feeds of Demopolis have entered into a partnership that will help provide livestock feed for the Tiger Wranglers at this year’s CNFR and for years to come. SouthFresh Feeds is a division of the Alabama Farmer’s Cooperative.

“SouthFresh believes in the benefits of a quality college education and we always strive to find ways to play a role in this process,” SouthFresh Vice-President for Feed Operations Jimmy Hughes said. “We are also heavily involved in agriculture and understand the long term benefits of those who are a part of this very important industry in our state.

“We see sponsorship of the rodeo team at the University of West Alabama as a way to not only be a part of furthering the education process of these student athletes, but also as a way to foster long term appreciation for agriculture and the important role it plays in the overall economic success of the state of Alabama,” Hughes said. “We hope through this sponsorship we are able to help to build upon the great success and reputation of not only the rodeo team but of the university as well.”

The 66th Annual CNFR will take place June 15-21 at the Casper Events Center. The top three finishers in each event in the 11 regions, plus the top two teams from each region, earn the right to compete at the CNFR.

“Words can’t express how much our rodeo team appreciates SouthFresh Feeds partnership with our team,” UWA Wranglers head coach Alex Caudle said. “The quality of their feed is the best in the business, and we are fortunate to have their help.”

A pair of UWA cowboys will compete in the 2014 CNFR. Bareback rider Blade Elliott won the Ozark Region, saddle bronc rider Andy Phillips goes to Casper after finishing second in the region. Elliott is a senior from Centreville, Ala., and Phillips a junior from Maplesville, Ala.

“SouthFresh Feeds is an Alabama company committed to quality products and we are thrilled to partner with such a fine company,” UWA Director of Athletics Stan Williamson said. “Our UWA student-athletes deserve the best and SouthFresh Feeds is all about providing the best products on the market. This is certainly a great match with SouthFresh Feeds and UWA Rodeo.”

Elliott and Phillips began competition at the Casper Events Center on Sunday. Over 400 cowboys and cowgirls from over 100 universities and colleges compete in Casper each year.